Robert Pattinson Responds to Joker Comparisons After ‘Primetime’ Goes Viral
The notion of Robert Pattinson stepping into the role of the Joker feels like something out of fan fiction. After all, he has been busy establishing his career as Gotham’s caped crusader. However, the internet has a knack for exploring intriguing casting ideas.
This latest buzz originated from a different film entirely. Pattinson stars in the A24 drama ‘Primetime’ as Chris Hansen, the former host of ‘To Catch a Predator’, in a movie directed by Lance Oppenheim. His performance is both heightened and stylized, leading to a wave of memes and viral clips.
In ‘Primetime’, Pattinson’s portrayal of Hansen presents him as a sort of real-life superhero, as noted by Entertainment Weekly. However, viewers have detected villainous nuances in his performance, from his peculiar behavior and expressions to the unpredictable rhythm of his dialogue. One clip features him looming over a nervous character played by Tony Revolori, who is one of the “predators” caught in a sting operation.
Fans on X quickly chimed in, with one post from September 16 lamenting that it was unfortunate he plays Batman because his Joker would have been iconic. That post reportedly garnered over 7 million views, sparking a broader conversation that eventually reached Pattinson himself.
So, what are Pattinson’s thoughts? Entertainment Weekly inquired whether he sees any Joker-like qualities in Hansen or how he might approach the role. The actor responded with a laugh and a groan, acknowledging it as a great role but emphasizing that the character belongs to Barry Keoghan.
He also expressed his enjoyment of shooting the deleted scene they filmed together, praising Keoghan as a phenomenal actor. Pattinson stated he is more interested in seeing Keoghan reprise the role than in taking it on himself. This response, while reminiscent of TMZ-style hot takes, reflects a gracious and enthusiastic decline.
The scene Pattinson refers to is familiar to fans. In the completed 2022 film ‘The Batman’, Keoghan’s Joker appears briefly at the end, sharing a laugh with fellow inmate Paul Dano’s Riddler at Arkham. Matt Reeves later released a deleted scene where Batman consults the Joker for insight into the Riddler’s psyche.
This additional footage has fueled speculation for years. Screen Rant reported in January that Keoghan’s return has been confirmed, although it does not guarantee he will be the main antagonist. Keoghan himself has expressed a desire to delve deeper into the role if given the chance.
For now, Pattinson has plenty on his plate. ‘Primetime’ is set to hit theaters on Friday, while ‘The Batman: Part II’ is not expected until February 18, 2028. This leaves fans with a long wait to see the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime share the screen in a more substantial way.
There’s an ironic twist to this situation. A performance intended to depict a self-styled hero is being interpreted as villainous, while the actor who inspired the comparison is graciously redirecting attention to the individual already embodying the role. This kind of generosity is part of what makes Pattinson so well-liked among fans.
You see how this looks, right? Lance Oppenheim’s PRIMETIME produced by and starring Robert Pattinson as famed To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen, inspired by true events. Have a seat September 25. pic.twitter.com/FvGyl2dIBs
— A24 (@A24) August 6, 2026
This situation also highlights how fan discussions evolve, as a single viral post can transform one role into a debate about casting in another franchise. Regardless of whether this leads anywhere, the conversation has heightened interest in ‘Primetime’ and reminded audiences of Keoghan’s impactful brief appearance. Meanwhile, Pattinson appears perfectly content in his role as the caped crusader.