Warning: article contains spoilers Joker: Folie à Deux!With a new playable Batman making his debut in the DCU. Brave and Boldperhaps a new star will appear to join the ranks of the actors who played Joker. As one of the most iconic Batman villains of all time, several actors have played the Joker in numerous live-action films and television adaptations. The Clown Prince of Crime remains a DC fan favorite and is considered one of the greatest comic book characters of all time. Naturally, throughout its long history, since 1940, it has been interpreted in new ways by different actors.
Each Joker actor has brought something new to their role, and the next one will join the legendary legacy. Many actors supported the character’s humorous tendencies, while others made him into a nightmare character. In various Batman In films and TV series, some actors have chosen to take a more grounded and realistic take on the Joker, while others have gone gloriously over the top. Will the Joker appear in Brave and Bold remains to be seen, but given the rich history, it’s no secret why the Joker is such a coveted role.
The Joker’s Cinematic History Explained
The Joker is notable for its ever-changing origin story.but most agree that he started out as a petty criminal who was pushed into a vat of chemicals by Batman, leading to his flamboyant appearance and often manic behavior. Each film adaptation of the villain has its own origin story, although almost all versions are dark and inspired by the fact that the Joker is Batman’s nemesis in DC Comics. Over time, however, the pair have developed something of a symbiotic relationship, each needing the other in some way, although this is not always the case in live-action games.
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Total There have been ten film adaptations of the Joker.although in reality there are only eleven of them, like Cameron Monaghan’s Joker in Gotham technically these are two different versions. Each version of the Joker is very different from the previous one, and although some people like Heath Ledger’s interpretation in Dark Knight were received positively, others including Jared Leto’s version of Suicide Squadwere criticized. Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix even won an Oscar for their portrayal of this character.
At the end Joker: Folie à Deux, A new Clown Prince of Crime is hinted at, showing the ever-changing nature of a character like the Joker. Likewise, while Mark Hamill has not portrayed the character in live-action, he deserves an honorable mention for voicing the Joker in various media since 1992, influencing many versions of him. Here are all the live-action versions of the Joker and the actors who portrayed him.
Cesar Romero played the Joker in 1966’s Batman.
- Director
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Leslie H. Martinson
- Release date
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July 30, 1966
- Throw
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Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Frank Gorshin
- lead time
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105 minutes
Cesar Romero first brought the Joker to life in 1966. Batman TV series and film starring Adam West as the Caped Crusader. Batman serials ran throughout the 1940s, but the Joker didn’t meet his nemesis until this campy cult classic. Joker Romero preferred elaborate pranks and hoaxes to murder. although he wasn’t against a few weird electrocutions (delivered via a joy horn). Romero’s Joker is terrifying but true to the tone of the 1960s. Batman projects, he never shed blood or committed violence, except for occasional BAM or prisoner of war off-screen blow.
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Romero famously refused to shave his mustache for the role – the dark hair is still visible under the Joker’s iconic white makeup. Besides being a fun little touch, Romero’s laid-back approach stands in stark contrast to the intense process that would later define the role. Romero’s Joker was a product of the tongue-in-cheek limitations of ’60s TV shows and the time restrictions on how dark the character could really be on traditional television. Romero played the Joker for three seasons and a spin-off. Batman: The Movie, in 1966.
Jack Nicholson played the Joker in Batman ’89
As the second live-action version of the Joker, Jack Nicholson played the villain in Tim Burton’s 1989 film. Batman a film that marked a change in public perception around the character. This Joker killed innocent people – it’s nothing like Romero’s jokes in the 60s. With release Batman, That Joker was suddenly found to be “worthy” and “complex” in the eyes of critics as a result of Nicholson’s casting.. After the success of the film, he was even nominated for a Golden Globe. Nicholson can portray anarchic madmen beautifully, and he works alongside Michael Keaton’s stoic Batman with devilish glee.
Nicholson’s Joker was supposed to return Batman Unchained the proposed fifth film in the series by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher.
For years, Nicholson’s Joker was the version that all actors had to compete with, and some still want Jack Nicholson to return as the Joker in the DCU, although it is unlikely that he will do so. Despite the terrible end BatmanNicholson’s Joker was supposed to return in Batman Unchained the proposed fifth film in Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher’s series depicting a hallucination caused by the Scarecrow. Unfortunately, after 1997 Batman and Robin bombed, the studio decided to go in a different direction, canceling Batman Unchained and, at the same time, any possibility that Nicholson will ever return to this role.
Roger Stoneburner played the Joker in the TV series Birds of Prey (2002–2003).
Despite the fact that he only appeared in a cameo role in the pilot episode of the 2002 series. Birds of PreyRoger Stoneburner’s Joker played a huge role in the series. It was revealed that the Joker shot Dina Meyer’s Barbara Gordon, leaving her paralyzed, which would become a major storyline for the series as she struggled with her identity as Batgirl. Although Stoneburner portrayed the Joker on screen in the series, the villain was actually voiced by none other than Mark Hamillwhich marked his first official live-action “appearance” as the villain he had been voicing for ten years.
Heath Ledger played the Joker in The Dark Knight
Heath Ledger’s Joker is perhaps the most memorable, as he was first introduced to modern audiences in Christopher Nolan’s film. Dark Knightreleased in 2008. Ledger’s remarkable and gripping performance as the iconic villain earned him numerous posthumous awards. This was another important event in terms of the Joker’s on-screen legacy. Heath Ledger significantly raised the bar for all subsequent roles.. This version of the Joker inhabited Nolan’s darker, grittier, and more violent world. Dark Knight trilogy, and Ledger’s Joker represented one of America’s greatest fears: terrorism.
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Unfortunately, Heath Ledger predeceased him. Dark Knight release. After his death, reports began to circulate that his experience playing the Joker was partly to blame. The media called his behavior responsible, citing a period of self-imposed isolation and personal diaries as “evidence” of some kind of breakdown. Although others involved in Dark KnightProducers stated that Ledger was very proud of his work on the film and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and the gravity of his death and subsequent media frenzy continues to loom large in the public consciousness.
Jared Leto played the Joker in Suicide Squad and Zack Snyder’s Justice League
- Director
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David Eyre
- Release date
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August 5, 2016
- lead time
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123 minutes
Jared Leto was originally a great choice for the DCEU’s first Joker, debuting in David Ayer’s film. Suicide Squad. However, Jared Leto’s version of the Joker is by far the most controversial.. 2016 Suicide Squad was not as well received as DC had hoped, leading to Leto’s Joker having a much smaller presence in the DCEU than originally planned. Moreover, given his reputation as an intense method actor who is often said to stay in character throughout every shoot, Leto’s casting reinforced the idea that playing the Joker could cause psychological harm.
Leto’s version of the Joker is something of a departure from previous portrayals and looks more like an offensive pimp stereotype than a clown, complete with tattoos, grills and cane. There’s also a sexualized element to Leto’s interpretation of the Joker, which has confused many fans since the Joker has never been an overtly sensual character. While some critics applauded Leto’s performance, which highlighted the toxicity of his relationship with Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, most were more critical.
Cameron Monaghan played the Joker in Gotham
Cameron Monaghan’s Joker from the Fox series Gotham technically it’s two characterstwin brothers Jerome and Jeremiah. It was originally supposed to tell the story of Jim Gordon’s early days on the Gotham Police Department. Gotham later included the misadventures of a young Bruce Wayne, spanning five seasons from 2014 to 2019. Gotham wanted to include the Joker, they realized that his origin depended on Batman and therefore wouldn’t work within the prequel timeline. Instead, they decided to use different elements of the Joker’s personality, with twin brothers Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska serving as proto-Jokers.
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Monaghan was generally well received in both roles, becoming a fan favorite in the series – even if his status as an “official” Joker actor is questionable given how Gotham ends. Viewers are left wondering whether Monaghan’s remaining twin will become the Joker or inspire another character to take up the mantle. Unanswered questions fit perfectly with character portrayals in other media as well.
Joaquin Phoenix played the Joker in the film “Joker and Joker: Folie A Deux”
- Director
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Todd Phillips
- Release date
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October 2, 2019
- lead time
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122 minutes
Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is the only live-action version of the character to star in his own films. He first debuted in 2019. Jokerand will be released again in 2024. Joker: Folie à Deux. Todd Phillips Joker has delivered a standalone, R-rated project that introduces audiences to a new version of the Joker that’s more reminiscent of a psychological thriller than a traditional comic book film. Despite the darker and earthier tones, Joker was a critical and financial success, becoming the first R-rated film to gross over a billion dollars. and Phoenix winning the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Although it was supposed to be a standalone film, Joker success led to Joker: Folie à Deux.
While many enjoyed Phillips’ dark reimagining of the Joker’s origin story, others found it overwhelmingly mean-spirited – although Phoenix’s portrayal was generally praised, with most of the film’s problems stemming from its extremely nihilistic tone and underdeveloped supporting cast. characters. Although it was supposed to be a standalone film, Joker success led to Joker: Foley Doublewhich Lady Gaga also appears as Harley Quinn. It is also confirmed that the Phoenix version is part of the DC Elseworlds storylines in its own right, unrelated to Brave and Bold and whatever Joker appears there.
Phoenix’s take on the Joker was fully realized with the release of Joker: Foley Double. In the sequel, Arthur Fleck will appear in Arkham Asylum after the events of the first film. He is awaiting trial for the murders he committed. At the end of the film, Arthur Fleck says that the Joker was just a persona he created for himself, confessing to all his crimes. This leads to the very end of the film, where another prisoner stabs Arthur to death and perhaps continues a legacy in this world.
Connor Storrie will play the new Joker in Joker: Folie A Deux
One of the main themes of the story Joker And Joker: Folie à Deux this is how Arthur is raised as a folk hero of sorts. He inspires people with his actions, even if he essentially renounces them when he confesses to his crimes in court. At the very end of the film, Arthur Fleck is told that he has a visitor, but it appears to be a trap as Connor Storrie’s character approaches him in the hallway and stabs him to death.
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As Arthur lies on the ground, bleeding, the prisoner can be heard laughing and, although not in the camera’s focus, he carves what will most likely be a smile into his facedrawing parallels between him and Heath Ledger’s version of the character. Since there are no plans for another movie in this universe, this new Joker character will likely never be explored, but it’s interesting that Joker The films suggest that Arthur Fleck simply inspired the future Joker, and was not the real Joker himself.
Nathan Dashwood played the Joker in Batwoman
- Release date
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October 6, 2019
- Seasons
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3
Nathan Dashwood portrayed the Joker in flashbacks on The CW. Batwomanas it turned out, he stole the bus in which the young Marquis Jet was. Nick Creegan plays Marquis, the half-brother of Ryan Wilder, aka Batwoman. Marquis eventually followed in the Joker’s footsteps by portraying the cat-themed villain to his stepsister. Despite this, Dashwood portrayed the real Joker in BatwomanAlthough little is known about this version of the characteras he appeared briefly in two episodes and did not play a significant role in the series.
Barry Keoghan played the Joker in Batman
- Release date
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March 4, 2022
- lead time
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176 minutes
Even though he only appeared briefly at the end of Matt Reeves’ series. BatmanBarry Keoghan’s Joker left an impression on audiences. Bye Batman introduced audiences to new takes on Riddler, Penguin and Carmine Falcone, while also making room for an entirely new Joker. Keoghan appeared outside the cell door of Arkham State Hospital, engaging Riddler in a partnership. Keoghan’s role was kept secret until its release, and while his new Joker is in Batman His name was not given, but his distinctive laugh and scarred facial features provided the main clues as to who he really was.
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Originally the Joker’s scars Batman it was believed that this version would be based on New 52 villain, especially Batman: Death of the Family a version of the Joker who removed his face and wore it as a mask to prove a point. However this The Joker’s deformity is actually caused by a congenital condition. This version of the villain will remain separate from the DCU, meaning there could be two cinematic Jokers with Keoghan at the same time, and Brave and Bold version, although it has not been confirmed whether Keoghan will return to Batman: Part II.
Other famous Joker actors
While there are many actors who have played the Joker in the media, many more have taken on the role of the Clown Prince of Crime as voice actors for animated films, TV series, and video games, and they deserve a mention as well.
The most iconic voice of the Joker is undoubtedly Mark Hamill, who brought a new idea to the role that would define the approach of those who came after him. Hamill voiced the Joker Batman: The Animated Series, Arkham video games, Justice League, And Batman: The Killing Joke among countless other appearances that combine menace and fun in the perfect balance for the character.
Alan Tudyk plays the Joker in the acclaimed film Harley Quinn animated series, a funny and touching look at the villain. Troy Baker, who also voiced Joel in The Last of Us game, voiced the Joker in Batman Unlimited: Monster MayhemZach Galifianakis took on the role LEGO Batman MovieJohn DiMaggio voiced the Joker in Batman: Under the Red Hoodand Kevin Michael Richardson took on the role of the character in Batman Vs. Dracula.
This extensive list of Joker voice actors only scratches the surface, and DC extends to podcasts via Batman: Unburied And Batman: The Audio Adventuresthe list will only grow. The final voice of Batman is Hamish Linklater, who plays the character in Batman: The Caped Crusader.
The Joker’s Future Explained Live
Will the Joker be in Batman: The Brave and the Bold?
The Joker has a long cinematic history, but more appearances could be on the horizon. No details about the villains have emerged yet. Batman – Part IIbut Matt Reeves might want to use the character elsewhere in this universe. Joker: Folie à Deux Also introduces the idea that Connor Storry could continue the Joker’s legacy. However, due to the film’s box office and critical failure, this path will likely not be explored, especially as Matt Reeves and DCU’s Batman universe continues to be built.
Announcement about Brave and Bold confirms the possible debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new Batman in the DC Universe, and whenever Batman appears on the big screen, it’s a safe bet that Joker will follow. Little is known about him yet Brave and BoldAdditionally, it will be a father-son story between Bruce Wayne and Damian Wayne, who will take on the Robin moniker. Damian has had some memorable moments with the Joker in DC Comics, so it’s possible that this would be the perfect place to introduce the DCC version. Joker.
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