And now we know. Looks like rather than trying to make Batman smile or fight him in the streets of Gotham, Arthur would end up being amazed by the beloved DC hero. This might be surprising for hardcore fans of the comics, but the character is a new creation that isn't operating by the same rules as Mr. J.

Bruce Wayne has not taken on the mantle of Batman in Gotham City in the Joker franchise, but director and co-writer Todd Phillips recently talked about what Joaquin Phoenix's Arthur Fleck would think about the Dark Knight if he was running around taking down criminals in Gotham.

Todd Phillips thinks that Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker would be a fan of Batman. Joker: Folie á Deux releases in United States theaters this coming October. The upcoming sequel is directed by Phillips and will see Phoenix reprise his role as the titular Joker.

Joker: Folie Deux helmer Todd Phillips shares what led to him making the upcoming DC sequel with lead star Joaquin Phoenix.

Joker 2 director Todd Phillips has weighed in on a question everyone's been asking since the movie was released in 2019: what would Joaquin Phoenix's Arthur Fleck make of Batman? "I think Arthur would be in awe of the alpha male that is Batman.