Ben Affleck and Jared Leto rumoured to star in HBO Max’s take on Batman: The Killing Joke

By Rishi Rajput On Feb 13, 2021

DC could be making plans on having two or more separate Batman franchises

DC Films president Walter Hamada is rumoured to be going ahead with two separate Batman franchises, thereby creating a multiverse. Ben Affleck’s version is also included in this, so that could mean three versions of the Caped Crusader.

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It was a huge surprise when DC announced that Michael Keaton’s Batman was canonical in the DCEU, and that he will be making an appearance in the upcoming Flashpoint movie with Ezra Miller. Affleck is also said to be returning in the movie, making it a record for the same Batman to appear in four live-action movies.

The Killing Joke adaptation

Affleck and Leto — Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP

While many feel like Flashpoint will be Affleck’s final outing as Batman, another rumour by tipster Mikey Sutton claims that discussions have been happening on adapting classic comic book Batman: The Killing Joke for HBO Max, with Affleck and Jared Leto’s Joker starring together. Much like Batman, the Joker has numerous rumours surrounding him as well, and is expected to star in future projects. We do know that Leto will be starring in Zack Snyder’s Justice League after seeing the new images and teasers.

It’s a shame that the two actors had been part of the DCEU since 2016 but have never faced off on screen yet.

How it should be made

Batman: The Killing Joke is an origin story for Joker and if it gets made into a series, it should be a rated R one since the comic is very dark and violent. Making a show based on the comic will make HBO Max’s demand rise as well.

There had also been rumours about a Batman and Deathstroke series happening with Affleck and Deathstroke actor Joe Manganiello facing off. No matter what, any news will be welcome at this point.