5 MCU Actors Who Could Nail the DCU’s Joker (#1 Has Been Fancast for Decades)

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Over the 85 years the Joker has been featured in comics, movies (like Jack Nicholson’s Jack Napier and Jared Leto’s portrayal in Suicide Squad), and even lighter takes like the 1960s Batman TV show, fans and audiences have seen many different interpretations of the character. Now, with the DCU truly beginning, it’s likely that James Gunn, Peter Safran, and the team will focus on one of three established versions. These versions are all presented in the engaging, though sometimes debated, 2020 storyline Batman: Three Jokers. They are known as The Criminal, The Clown, and The Comedian.

The Criminal is a classic gangster figure – essentially, the character’s original form before a significant change. Then we have The Clown, who still engages in unlawful activities, just with a more dramatic and showy style. The Comedian is a character who didn’t appear on screen until Joaquin Phoenix portrayed him in Todd Phillips’ two films. While several performers from the Marvel Cinematic Universe could realistically play any of these three roles, let’s consider which one would be the most fitting for each actor.

5) Tom Hiddleston

While Thanos is certainly memorable, many consider Tom Hiddleston’s Loki to be the MCU’s greatest villain. The brilliance of his performance lies in making a character who has committed terrible acts someone we can feel sympathy and even pity for – and that was true even before his redemption arc in the Loki series.

It’s hard to imagine Tom Hiddleston ever playing the Joker because he’s so closely associated with Loki, but he physically has what it takes – specifically, a strong, defined V-shaped jawline. He’s also exceptionally good at delivering a captivating and manipulative smile. Beyond that, Hiddleston is a versatile actor, meaning he could convincingly portray the complex emotional depths of a character like The Comedian. His take on the Joker would likely be a deeply troubled individual, but one who didn’t choose that path. While we wouldn’t condone his actions, we might be able to empathize with his motivations.

4) Chukwudi Iwuji

If any of these actors seem like strong contenders, it’s Chukwudi Iwuji. There’s even a theory explaining how he could appear in both Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Peacemaker Season 1. The explanation suggests that Season 1 of Peacemaker isn’t set in the same universe as Season 2.

James Gunn enjoys working with the same actors often, and given that he directed five of the eight episodes of Peacemaker and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it’s clear Chukwudi Iwuji is an actor he plans to work with again. Iwuji would also be a remarkably frightening Joker, portraying a character whose anger feels unstoppable. Whether playing a more criminal or comedic take on the role, he could convincingly depict a Joker capable of ruling Gotham City through fear and fury.

3) Evan Peters

In WandaVision, Evan Peters portrayed Ralph Bohner, a resident of Westview who was mind-controlled by Agatha Harkness. He was actually being used to impersonate Pietro Maximoff, Wanda’s late brother.

Similar to how he played Maximoff, also known as Quicksilver, in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix, Peters was great at adding a playful and mischievous sense of humor to his roles. He could easily bring that same energy to the Joker, portraying him as someone who is always cool and unbothered.

2) Bill Skarsgård

Perhaps there’s something unique about actors who excel at performing while wearing heavy makeup – it seems to be a skill particularly suited to playing the Joker. Like Tim Curry (who was once considered for the role in the late ’80s) and David Howard Thornton, Bill Skarsgård clearly has this ability. His portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown is a character who genuinely enjoys inflicting pain on others, which makes him a strong candidate to play either The Clown or The Comedian.

Okay, so a lot of people have been asking me which Marvel Cinematic Universe project Alexander Skarsgård was in. It was Eternals! Honestly, it was a bit of a short role for him – he voiced and physically performed as Kro, one of the Deviants. Unfortunately, they didn’t give him as much screen time as I’d hoped, but he still made an impact!

1) Willem Dafoe

For the crucial role in Tim Burton’s Batman, Jack Nicholson was always the frontrunner. Though Robin Williams was a strong contender, he wasn’t the only actor considered. David Bowie, Tim Curry, John Lithgow, and Brad Dourif from Child’s Play were also possibilities. Willem Dafoe was in the mix as well, and he later became well-known in superhero films as the Green Goblin in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy and Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Many fans have been hoping for this casting for years. To be honest, Willem Dafoe simply *looks* the part of the Joker. It’s true that he’s appeared in a lot of superhero films already-including as Vulko in Aquaman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League-which might make this casting feel less impactful. However, Dafoe has stated he’d love to play a version of the Joker who is an imposter, and fans would undoubtedly be thrilled to see that idea come to life.

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2025-10-04 21:42