The Batman’s secret website releases a cryptic message teasing the Joker

The Batman
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Spoilers for The Batman follow. If you haven't seen the movie yet, look away now!

By now, you might be aware of The Batman’s Rataalada site, which fans had previously been able to ‘crack’ to unlock a message from the Riddler. The site has now been updated to include more secrets – and a hidden Joker tease.

If you head over to the site now, you’re able to claim a "reward". The first is a download file of some of the Riddler’s ancillary materials, including his diary and conspiracy theories. Refresh the page and you’ll be met by another reward – an encoded message that uses Riddler’s cipher alphabet.

Thankfully, the internet has worked wonders and has already deciphered the message. It reads: "Gotham loves a comeback." But there’s more. Scrawled at the sides are two repeating letters, "HA. HA. HA."

You don’t need to be the World’s Greatest Detective to figure out that it’s a likely nod towards the Joker (Barry Keoghan), who appeared briefly in The Batman.

No word yet on which villains we’ll see in a sequel, but The Batman’s ARG is certainly having fun with the idea of Joker showing up again.

Director Matt Reeves told Total Film that a deleted scene involving Joker opposite Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader would be released at some point, adding, "It's a really cool scene. It was just one of those things where, in the course of the movie, what that scene was doing, other scenes were also doing, and so we didn't need the scene. But as a standalone, that scene is very eerie and creepy and cool."

For more on The Batman’s mysteries and major moments, check out our breakdowns and guides below.


Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at 12DOVE, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

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