The world of DC cinema has been set ablaze with the recent leak of the script for The Batman Part II, the highly anticipated sequel to Matt Reeves’ 2022 noir masterpiece, The Batman. Directed by Reeves and co-written with Mattson Tomlin, the script’s completion was announced in June 2025, sparking excitement among fans. However, the unexpected leak, reported by sources like Variety and ScreenRant, has sent shockwaves through the fandom, particularly due to the revelation of the return of the Joker, played by Barry Keoghan, in a role that promises to redefine the iconic villain for Reeves’ gritty Gotham universe.

The leak, which surfaced on platforms like Reddit and X in early July 2025, has fueled intense speculation about the sequel’s plot. The Batman Part II, set for release on October 1, 2027, continues the story of Robert Pattinson’s brooding Bruce Wayne, navigating a corrupt Gotham reeling from the Riddler’s chaos. The first film’s dark, detective-driven narrative earned $772 million globally, cementing Reeves’ vision as a fan favorite. The leaked script details suggest a deeper exploration of Gotham’s underbelly, with the Joker emerging as a central figure. Posts on X describe fans’ reactions as a mix of thrill and concern, with many eager for Keoghan’s full-fledged portrayal after his chilling cameo in the original’s deleted scene.

According to the leaked details, the Joker’s return is no mere cameo. The script positions him as a chaotic force manipulating Gotham’s power vacuum post-Riddler, potentially clashing with Colin Farrell’s Oswald “Oz” Cobb, whose arc in The Penguin series sets up a collision course with Batman. Empire speculated that the script draws inspiration from the No Man’s Land comic arc, where Gotham recovers from a citywide disaster, introducing villains like Clayface and Zsasz alongside the Joker. Fans on r/DCULeaks have theorized that Keoghan’s Joker, described as a “psychological terror,” will challenge Pattinson’s Batman in ways that mirror the cerebral intensity of Heath Ledger’s iconic performance, while staying true to Reeves’ grounded aesthetic.

The leak has not been without controversy. Reeves, known for his meticulous storytelling, has remained silent, but IndieWire reports that DC Studios is investigating the breach, with fears it could disrupt production set to begin in late 2025. James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, previously defended Reeves’ deliberate pace, telling EW in June 2025, “Let the guy write the screenplay in the time he needs.” The leak, however, has raised concerns about spoilers undermining the film’s impact. Some X users argue the leak heightens anticipation, while others lament the loss of surprise, recalling the secrecy that amplified The Dark Knight’s success.

The Joker’s return has been a particular point of fascination. Keoghan’s brief appearance in The Batman—a shadowy Arkham inmate teasing a twisted alliance—left fans clamoring for more. The leaked script reportedly delves into his backstory, portraying him as a product of Gotham’s decay, with a nihilistic worldview that tests Batman’s resolve to inspire hope. TheWrap notes that Reeves’ caption, “Partners in Crime (Fighters),” in his script announcement post, may hint at a dynamic between Batman and a potential ally—possibly Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle or even a young Robin—against the Joker’s anarchy. Fan discussions on r/DC_Cinematic suggest the script balances psychological horror with detective elements, aligning with Reeves’ vision of an “epic crime saga.”

The timing of the leak, just weeks before Gunn’s Superman premiere on July 8, 2025, has sparked debates about its impact on the DCU and Reeves’ Elseworlds universe. While Superman launches a new interconnected continuity, The Batman Part II remains a standalone, allowing Reeves creative freedom. GameRant reported Gunn’s enthusiasm for the sequel, noting his playful comment that including a character like Bat-Mite would have fast-tracked approval, though the Joker’s inclusion seems to have sealed the deal. Fans on X are divided, with some hoping Pattinson’s Batman joins the DCU, while others champion the Elseworlds approach for its distinct tone.

As production looms, the leak has intensified scrutiny on Reeves’ ability to deliver a sequel that matches the original’s acclaim. With the Joker’s return confirmed, expectations are sky-high for a performance that could rival past portrayals. Whether the leak will galvanize or hinder The Batman Part II remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Gotham’s Dark Knight faces his greatest challenge yet in a city teetering on the edge of madness.