As a fervent fan, I eagerly anticipate the unfolding events in the revitalized DC Universe under James Gunn’s guidance, with Metropolis now firmly established. Soon enough, our collective gaze will shift towards the enigmatic cityscape of Gotham. While “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” promises a fresh take on the Caped Crusader, there’s one villain that has piqued the curiosity of fans more than any other – none other than the infamous Clown Prince of Crime himself.
As a follower, I acknowledge that the previous live-action Jokers have set an incredibly high bar, from Heath Ledger’s award-winning chaos to Joaquin Phoenix’s chilling performance in Joker, and of course, Mark Hamill’s iconic voice acting. The actor chosen by Gunn will need to offer something original, surprising, and wholly invested in the madness. These seven actors have the potential to deliver exactly that.
7) Bill Skarsgård
It’s quite plausible that Bill Skarsgård is the top pick for a good reason. Recognized for sending shivers down viewers’ spines as Pennywise in It, the actor has demonstrated his capability to personify a frightening clown, and this is just a glimpse of his potential as The Joker. Fans have been actively advocating for him to put on the iconic purple suit. Skarsgård’s unnerving facial expressions, slender physique, and talent for transitioning between chilling stillness and sudden threat make him an excellent fit for a younger, more volatile version of The Joker.
The actor’s unsettling aura extends beyond horror films; his roles in “Barbarian” and “Hemlock Grove” demonstrate his versatility and ability to straddle the line between fragile and menacing. He’s captivating, he’s unforeseeable. He seems as if he could erupt into maniacal laughter in a blazing building at any moment. Given that Bill Skarsgård is frequently mentioned in discussions about the Joker, it would be foolish not to join in the enthusiasm.
6) Willem Dafoe
The concept of Willem Dafoe portraying the Joker isn’t fresh, but fans persistently hold onto it, and honestly, they’re spot on. Known for his chilling villain roles, Dafoe’s name has been linked to the Joker for decades in fan speculations, and even Dafoe himself has shown interest in the role, suggesting a “Joker imposter” character at one point.
The actor famed for his role in Spider-Man possesses one of the most versatile and intimidating visages in the movie industry. With a mere blink, he can transform from playful to eerily psychotic. His performances, whether as the chilling Green Goblin or the mentally unstable character in The Lighthouse, demonstrate an extraordinary ability to portray characters who intriguingly fall apart on screen.
In a DC Universe that could benefit from a seasoned, long-standing Joker to challenge an experienced Batman, Dafoe delivers the weight, the madness, and the iconic laugh. He’s the kind of Joker who seems like he’s been lurking in Gotham’s shadows forever, biding his time for the perfect opportunity to attack.
5) Johnny Knoxville
While some of you might find this suggestion surprising (and some of you might be wondering “who is that?”), give us a chance to explain. Johnny Knoxville thrives on chaos. The leader of Jackass has dedicated nearly two decades to putting himself in harm’s way and laughing maniacally throughout it all. If there’s anyone who knows what it means to fully commit to a joke, no matter how excruciating or eccentric, it’s Knoxville.
In Knoxville’s interpretation of the Joker, you wouldn’t find the cold-blooded calculation of Heath Ledger’s or the haunting fragility of Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayals. Instead, his Joker would be marked by an unsettling energy and unpredictability; a Joker who might intentionally tumble down a staircase to emphasize a point.
This Joker offers genuine physical humor and well-timed slapstick, but there’s also an undercurrent of controlled madness that could transform into a gripping and unsettling portrayal given the right script. Moreover, the image of Johnny Knoxville in purple lipstick, cackling madly while propelling a shopping cart through the streets of Gotham City is nothing short of fitting for the character.
4) Crispin Glover
Crispin Glover was naturally suited for unusual roles. Known for his quirky performances in shows like “Back to the Future”, he’s made a career out of being eccentric, mysterious, and slightly unsettling. If he were to play The Joker, he wouldn’t need scars or green hair to be terrifying; just his peculiar, otherworldly mannerism, honed over decades, would be enough to send shivers down one’s spine.
For years, fans have enthusiastically endorsed Glover as an ideal candidate for the Joker role, and his acting in films such as “Willard” and “American Gods” clearly demonstrates his ability to immerse himself fully into peculiar, disquieting roles. His performances are so convincing that they provoke a genuine sense of unease among viewers. Picture a Joker who recites Shakespearean soliloquies on carnage while precariously balancing a lit stick of dynamite on his fingertip – that’s the kind of acting Glover delivers. What makes him unique is an eerie timelessness; he could convincingly portray the Joker at any age, in any era. Such versatility is a rare and valuable talent indeed.
3) Nicolas Cage
For quite some time now, Nicholas Cage has harbored a desire to portray the iconic villain, the Joker. We’re completely on board with this idea! In a 2018 conversation with Batman-News, Cage expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve always felt I would be ideal for the role of the Joker… it would provide me with an opportunity to go even more over the edge than I ever have before.” Such a wilder Nicholas Cage performance would certainly be a spectacle!
Recently, Cage has experienced a career resurgence. From his captivating performance as a meta character in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” to his spellbinding lead role in “Mandy”, he’s demonstrated versatility that extends beyond genre films. His over-the-top acting style is perfect for portraying a comic book villain who revels in the dramatic, and his upcoming role as Dracula in the 2023 film “Renfield”, alongside Nicholas Hoult, showcases his comedic timing and ability to embody any character he’s assigned.
Picture a Joker character who embodies Heath Ledger’s Joker but takes it to an extreme level, blending in elements of surrealism from Nicolas Cage’s roles. This character would be capable of striking fear one moment, reciting obscure philosophical thoughts the next, and then erupting into a maniacal laugh while setting a theme park ablaze. In James Gunn’s DC Universe, where daring risks are embraced, this Joker could push all boundaries and present us with an entirely new take on this iconic villain.
2) Jamie Campbell Bower
Should the DCU be on the hunt for a stylishly sinister Joker character with a gothic flair, Jamie Campbell Bower might just be the ideal candidate. Most recognized for portraying Vecna in Stranger Things, Bower has demonstrated an impressive ability to captivate and send shivers down spines simultaneously. His striking features – sharp cheekbones, intense eyes, and an ethereal demeanor that hints at inhuman qualities – align perfectly with the Joker’s aesthetic. However, it is his exceptional voice acting and nuanced psychological portrayal in Stranger Things that truly showcases his potential for the role. Bower delivers chilling monologues that ooze menace, keeping viewers hooked without ever raising his voice.
As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but envision Michael Bower stepping into the DCU as a chilling, artistic take on the Joker. Picture him as a captivating, youthful psychopath who turns each act of violence into an intricate stage production. It’s like blending Bowie’s enigmatic allure with Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal, all while letting James Gunn’s imaginative flair add its own twist. The result would be a haunting, unforgettable performance that would leave audiences spellbound.
1) Giovanni Ribisi
Giovanni Ribisi is often overlooked as one of Hollywood’s exceptional character actors. Whether it’s his roles in “Boiler Room” or “Sneaky Pete”, he has an uncanny ability to portray complex, intelligent, and morally grey characters. This unique talent makes him a captivating underdog choice for the role of the Joker.
Ribisi’s energy is marked by a tense, edgy vibe. His characters are always on the brink, as if they hold secrets that others don’t know. Unlike typical portrayals, his Joker wouldn’t be flamboyant; instead, he’d be subtler, more intellectually menacing. He’s a ticking time bomb hiding in plain sight, masquerading as an ordinary madman. He might not be the one directly attacking Batman with a pie, but he’d undoubtedly be the one setting traps within it. His acting ability allows him to deliver complex, unforeseen performances. If Gunn’s DCU ever delves into the darker, more psychological corners of Gotham, Ribisi would be an excellent fit.
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2025-07-18 15:11