Matt Reeves’ acclaimed Batman series returns with a bold new direction in its second season. The new chapter of Batman: Caped Crusader explores Gotham through fresh storylines, introduces new characters, and presents a strikingly different take on the Joker.
Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 to feature a new take on Joker
Matt Reeves’ upcoming Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 will introduce a “very different” version of the Joker. Co-showrunner James Tucker confirmed in an exclusive interview with The Direct that the character’s portrayal will diverge from iconic adaptations such as Mark Hamill’s and Jack Nicholson’s. The first season teased this iteration of the Clown Prince of Crime in its finale, showing an unseen Joker killing victims with laughter while declaring, “Perfect.”
Tucker explained that while this Joker may surprise viewers familiar only with mainstream portrayals, long-time comic readers will recognize the approach. He said, “If Joker begins with Mark Hamill and Jack Nicholson, this take on the Joker will be very different for them. But for people who’ve read comics for a long, long, long, long time, it won’t be.”
James Tucker added that audiences might respond differently. “Some people will recognize it and go, ‘Oh, I see what they’re doing,’ and other people will go, ‘Wow, this is different.’ But, I think it’s all Joker,” he stated.
Tucker revealed Matt Reeves allowed the animated series to develop independently from his live-action universe, saying, “We weren’t given a mandate to match what he was doing.” “[Matt] understands our show is separate from what he’s doing in the movies.” He added that while both versions share a dark tone and detective-driven focus, they differ in setting and storytelling style.
After HBO Max canceled Batman: Caped Crusader, Amazon Prime Video picked it up. Tucker stated that the team is adding the “final touches” to Season 2 and plans to release it in 2026.
