Are these two DC films connected in much the same way Batman V Superman was connected to Suicide Squad? Or were they meant to completely separate takes on characters who happen to be linked in the same universe, such as the DCEU is it's own distinct entity from the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight continuity.
Essentially, I'm asking if there is any "Word of God" or at least heavily implied connection between the most recent Joker film and the upcoming 2022 film The Batman. I've heard of no connection, but if one existed, it could possibly show the young Bruce from the previous Joaquin Phoenix film....
may grow up into the Robert Pattison version of The Batman?
Or are these supposed to be/meant to be two completely separate worlds/continuities?
I know Joker was meant more or less to be a "stand alone" movie...but the timelines seem to sync [Bruce is a kid in the early 80s, so depending on when it takes place, Pattison could pass for a guy who trained for 20 years, took some time to establish an identity and be a 30-something Batman.] This may also make sense in terms of the "grittier" tone both films seem to want to engender; perhaps this Joker could have inspired a Joker in the Batman timeline?
Also keep in mind that the Joker film isn't necessarily reliable, due to Arthur Fleck's perspective being twisted by his illness. This could also include his memories of the dates his film supposedly took place in.
Is there any formal information which can verify this?