The Batman’s Riddler & Joker Theory Sets Up Pattinson’s Best Trilogy Ending

Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Batman

While The Batman ended with Riddler (Paul Dano) and the Joker (Barry Keoghan) becoming friends, an eventual rivalry could serve as the perfect ending to the trilogy starring Robert Pattinson’s Batman. Seeing as how this first film from director Matt Reeves featured clear inspirations from some of the most iconic Batman comics, it stands to reason that future films and spinoffs will follow suit. As such, The War of Jokes and Riddles could be a dynamic culmination of the Pattinson trilogy, testing the Batman’s limits as he’s caught between a not-so-civil war of Gotham rogues.

Created by Tom King and Mikel Janín, 2017’s War of Jokes and Riddles was an eight-part event taking place in DC Comics’ primary ongoing Batman title. Taking a look back at Batman’s career during his second year as a vigilante, the Dark Knight recounts a brutal war in Gotham that took place and his role within it. Battle lines were drawn and several villains chose their side: Gotham’s Riddler or Joker. Seeing as how The Batman takes place during Year Two as well, this particular series could serve as a strong foundation for a future sequel.

Seeing as how The Batman ended with Riddler and Joker meeting and seemingly becoming friends, a war where they turn on each other would certainly be intriguing. It would also be very logical. Both rogues have massive egos and would likely have a hard time sharing the spotlight. As such, the endgame for their relationship could very well be Gotham’s version of Captain America: Civil War, an event that nearly forced Batman to break his one rule. Here’s a breakdown of The War of Jokes and Riddles and why it’d be a perfect finale in a trilogy beginning with Matt Reeves’ The Batman.

The Batman Sets Up Joker & Riddler’s Future Together

Following Riddler’s arrest by the GCPD after his murder of crime boss Carmine Falcone, Edward Nashton was incarcerated and taken to Arkham State Hospital. However, his plan wasn’t over despite his imprisonment, having placed explosives at key points of Gotham’s sea wall to flood the city while also leaving instructions for his followers to continue his work at the Gotham Square Gardens, opening fire on the crowd (specifically Gotham’s new mayor Bella Reál). However, Batman ultimately saved the day and took out Riddler’s followers.

Naturally, Riddler’s plan being foiled had him in despair while behind bars. However, this is when the inmate next door to his cell was revealed, encouraging Nashton that he did well and that “Gotham loves a comeback story.” He also gave a riddle of his own as an offer of friendship. Furthermore, his talk of “clowns” and a sinister laugh all but confirm that Riddler’s new friend is the Joker himself. Likewise, the “comeback story” indicates that Riddler will be returning at some point along with this new version of the Clown Prince of Crime.

War Of Jokes & Riddles From Batman Comics Explained

While The Batman setting up a friendship between Joker and Riddler is interesting, a future rivalry has been proven to be incredibly dynamic as seen in The War of Jokes and Riddles. Based on the idea that Riddler and Joker would be similarly unfulfilled if the other killed Batman, the two rogues turn Gotham City into a warzone. If Joker kills Batman, Riddler’s ultimate puzzle will be forever unsolved. If Riddler kills Batman, Joker’s ultimate punchline will go untold. As such, the two villains turn on each other to prevent the other from ending the Dark Knight before they do. Likewise, several other rogues end up picking sides in the massive conflict that lasted for weeks. Riddler ended up recruiting the likes of Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Two-Face, and more. Likewise, Joker’s forces included The Mad Hatter, Man-Bat, Deadshot, and Mister Freeze, among others.

Theory: The Batman 3 Is A Joker & Riddler Civil War In Gotham

Following sequels to The Batman as well as the upcoming Penguin and more spinoff series, it stands to reason that additional foes will be introduced to fill out Bruce Wayne’s rogues’ gallery. As such, any that do debut could become the respective allies Riddler and Joker recruit for a final film should Reeves decide to adapt the Civil War-style storyline starring Gotham’s most dangerous criminals and psychopaths. It would certainly be a great opportunity to feature several villains for a culminating film (while still having the focus primarily on Joker and Riddler).

It should also be noted that The War of Jokes and Riddles began with Riddler offering friendship to Joker, just as The Batman’s version of Joker did for Paul Dano’s Riddler. Knowing that they’d inevitably go to war for the right to kill Batman, Riddler suggested in the event’s first issue that they should work as a duo to kill Batman, solving and laughing together. However, Joker rejected Riddler’s proposal by shooting him in the stomach and leaving him to die, thus beginning their war once Riddler recovered. Seeing as how the ego of The Batman‘s Riddler was already on display due to his obsession with being remembered and recognized, it seems likely that his DCEU friendship with Joker won’t last for long. Deep down, neither of them wants to share the spotlight or the credit.

Why The Riddler & Joker Theory Is Perfect For Pattinson’s Batman Trilogy

What makes The War of Jokes and Riddles so perfect and intriguing for a film adaptation is the literal gauntlet Batman faces during the event. It was only Bruce Wayne’s second year as Batman and he was already faced with a major crisis he couldn’t help but feel responsible for seeing as how Riddler and Joker’s rivalry was about him. With so many innocents dying in the crossfire, the Dark Knight genuinely intended to kill the Riddler when he got the chance, driven to such rage that Batman was willing to break his one rule. However, he was surprisingly stopped by the Joker, an ironic act the Clown Prince of Crime found to be absolutely hilarious after having a long season where was hadn’t found anything to be funny at all.

While The Batman was not a direct adaptation of any one comic like The Long Halloween or Batman: Earth One, a final film to end a Pattinson trilogy wouldn’t need to fully adapt all of The War of Jokes and Riddles (and probably shouldn’t). However, there are plenty of truly great moments between Riddler, Joker, and Batman that could complement what’s already been seen in The Batman quite well. At any rate, audiences will just have to wait and see what’s in store for Matt Reeves’ vision for Gotham.