Who should play the Joker

[Franky Gunpowder]

Thoughts?

[Kaeos]

Personally, I think Mark Hamill has earned it, being the voice of the joker for the better part of a decade. But given his age and relative physical condition I don't see it happening.
http://images.heritagecoin.com/images/HNAI/thumbs/818/818086009o.jpg

Jude Law maybe?

Lots of young sharp actors to choose from.

[sickness]

The latest rumor has Paul Bettany pulling away from the rest of the pack (that along with Jake Gyllenhall as Dent made Yahoo! Entertainment News which tends to be a few weeks behind official word for the most part) but I'm still holding out hope for someone who has the physical appearance and acting chops like Sam Rockwell as was rumored a while back. I won't be hurt if Bettany gets it, though, as I think he'll do a fine job acting the role. I just don't see the physical aspect in him, though.

[DeathScythe]

Personally, I think Mark Hammil has earned it, being the voice of the joker for the better part of a decade. But given his age and relative physical condition I don't see it happening.


Far as most people are concerned(Me included), Hamill (atleast his voice) is the Joker. But as nice as it'd be to see him in the live action, he's physically not Joker-ish. Just like Kevin Conroy who voiced Bruce Wayne/Batman (who's also the longest acting Batman ever) isn't physically close to Batman.

Personally, I think Adrien Brody's got the looks for the part, so I wouldn't be disappointed if he ended up with the part.

-Lord Scythe-
(Only hope is that whoever is cast doesn't try to be Hamill)

[DaForce]

Actually, when Hamill played the Trickster in the live action Flash tv series (now available on dvd), he was essentially playing the Joker in physical form. Granted, that was almost 20 years ago now, so he may not be the best bet now.

As for what I've heard about the sequel, Joker is supposed to be a much darker incarnation and not as slapstick as he has been in the animated series. Also, the rumor of Bettany being Joker comes from a staffer on the movie that Nolan is currently directing that just happens to be starring Caine and Bale. Apparantly the staffer has been overhearing Bettany's name being mentioned as the Joker when Caine, Nolan and Bale meet during breaks between filming their current film.

With that in mind, I really have no qualms about Bettany being the Joker in the sequel.

[Alcatraz]

I personally thinks it'd be a toss up between Bettany and Hugo Weaving.
Both could play the Joker to more than satisfactory levels.
However, Hugo does have a more wicked sneer than Paul, IMHO.
:smirk:

[sickness]

Now Weaving as The Joker and Jackman as Dent is the rumor du jour apparently. You can count on 10 more rumored castings before things get locked down. Count on it. Weaving as The Joker is good casting but I really think the villains should be a bit closer to Batman's age. Weaving has the ability to act as The Joker but I think he's a bit too old for it (not much, but a bit). Jackman, on the other hand is handicapped by the fact that he actually does look close to his age. This is worsened by the fact that Bale hasn't seemed to age AT ALL since American Psycho. So, you've got 45ish Jackman playing a character whose background is as Bruce's friend while Bale still looks like he's in his mid to late 20's.

[Alcatraz]

Now Weaving as The Joker and Jackman as Dent is the rumor du jour apparently. You can count on 10 more rumored castings before things get locked down. Count on it. Weaving as The Joker is good casting but I really think the villains should be a bit closer to Batman's age. Weaving has the ability to act as The Joker but I think he's a bit too old for it (not much, but a bit).

True. But old age tends to make your performances that much creepier, no?

[KingVoyeur]

True. But old age tends to make your performances that much creepier, no?

Well, hell, if that's the case, just make Peter O'Toole the Joker. If any of you have seen a film called The Stunt Man, then you know what I'm talking about...

[Quasar]

I'm fine with them going with Bettany. I can really picture him in the role.

[Kaeos]

The other front runner appears to be Australian actor Lachy Hulme (http://www.cinematical.com/2005/11/29/lachy-hulme-talks-joker-rumors)who played Sparks in the last 2 Matrix films.

Personally, I'd like to see this guy over Bettany.

http://www.nonsolomartelli.net/Images2/MatriX/m3/05%20Sparks.jpg http://i.timeinc.net/ew/img/daily/598/paul_l.jpg
Lachey Hulme ......................Paul Bettany

[syphon2006]

I think Jack Nicolson did a great job as the joker, so why not replace him with a younger wannabe Jack Nicolson... Christian Slater? LOL I know, I know, but it could be interesting.

Also heard Jake Gylenhall (Spelling) is casted in the sequel as Dent or Joker who knows?

[Kaeos]

Batman-on-film is pointing at Jake Gylenhall as Dent. Strong opinion seems to be leaning toward Bettany for Joker.

Lots of other roles are being discussed, but nothing seems concrete.

IMHO the joker for this film needs to be darker, more sinister, in no way the goofy loopy prankster from the Adam West era.

What we need here is the joker who shot Jason Todd.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3d/JokercolorLG.jpg/225px-JokercolorLG.jpg

[SlamShut]

I just wish they'd hire Crispin Glover to play the part. He's perfect.

[DeathScythe]

hey, I could definately see Crispin Glover as the Joker.

Good work Slammy.

[Penfold]

Good call on Crispin Glover. Except I wouldn't be able to watch him without thinking "I'm your density."

[DeathScythe]

I'm your Density

[SinisterPryde]

Well, if he were a more solid actor and not such a... well, goober, I'd say David Schwimmer was perfect physically. He's got that goofy shaped head that was mentioned in The Killing Joke. Also, Matthew Lillard could pul it off.

[shinobi919]

How about Guy Pearce who also worked with Christopher Nolan in Memento? My other vote would be Dennis Quaid. Look at his smile, it's all Joker!

[kah]

I know I don't really count- but I vote Jim Carrey. Or someone just like him. If I can't have him, then I second the vote for Crispin Glover.

[KingVoyeur]

I'm definitely all for Crispin Glover as the Joker, it's not that big a stretch for him LOL. I wonder if they even considered him... I like Jim Carey and all, but I think putting him in the rebooted franchise will just tie people back to Batman Forever. I really liked that movie and the characters that were in it, but the series needs to move on.

[Alcatraz]

Wow. Crispin Glover. That IS good casting. I like it a touch more than Bettany the more I think of it.

Of course, then I'll be expecting the climactic scene to include
Batman giving him a noogie, saying "Don't be so gullible McFly!"

:smirk:

[sickness]

Wow. Crispin Glover. That IS good casting. I like it a touch more than Bettany the more I think of it.

Of course, then I'll be expecting the climactic scene to include
Batman giving him a noogie, saying "Don't be so gullible McFly!"

:smirk:

Yeah, and then the Joker could go on the Letterman show when Batman gets a better villain for the second half of the movie and flip out like he's on acid. :D

[SinisterPryde]

Have to say, though, I am a little disappointed we won't get the Red Hood origin of Joker in the movie (unless they flash back to as an "unseen" moment in the first movie).

[scrrr]

Beh. Richard E. Grant.

[jayce78]

Not bad . . .


but I still really like the thought of Glover . . .

[drubinwrinkleberry]

I heard Robin Williams is campaigning for the part. I like Robin Williams but...I'm not so sure he's The Joker.

[DeathScythe]

Williams just isn't creepy enough to pull it off.


Personally, I have yet to find anyone that disagrees with Glover.

-Lord Scythe-
(would be more hilarious if Joker gave Bats a noogie)

[TrekSucksHard]

Paul Bettany- Crispin Glover has no box-office appeal.

Bettany can play a crazed psycho- he did a terrific job as the young Malcolm McDowell in Gangster No.1.

[jmg134]

I know this might be a bit out there on who should play the Joker, but just here me out. Has anyone ever thought of Marilyn Manson? I mean he already has all the white face paint. The big red smile, just dye his hair green and you have the JOKER! He would be so awesome cuz he is so crazy and probably over the top but not as bad as how Robin Williams would play the character. I think he would play a very sadistic Joker.

[KingVoyeur]

There's reports now that Robin Williams is being considered for the part. He was offered the part in the first Batman, and he's worked with Nolan before (Insomnia, also playing a villain), however I don't think he fits the part for this style of Batfilm. I'm still for either Paul Bettany or Crispin Glover.

[SteelDog]

There's reports now that Robin Williams is being considered for the part. He was offered the part in the first Batman, and he's worked with Nolan before (Insomnia, also playing a villain), however I don't think he fits the part for this style of Batfilm. I'm still for either Paul Bettany or Crispin Glover.

I don't know. Robin Williams has proved in several films that he can play a more serious part. Now factor in that the Joker is insane at times. I can't think of another actor that has the range to play serious and insane with the same character.

I would LOVE it if Robin Williams gets to be the Joker.

[Franky Gunpowder]

If Williams was younger and had the same build as Joker (i.e. thin) then I think he could pull it off. If anybody read the article Cinescape posted, you can see how much Williams understands the universe-
Williams is famous for his Jack Nicholson impression, but he suspects Nolan would be looking for a new take. "Well, you want to do a different Joker. You know, if they do Arkham Asylum, it would be amazing. Arkham Asylum is one of the greatest, nastiest comic books ever. It's truly, it's like the Marquee de Sade on that level, and wonderfully damaged and quite tragic, in terms of when you realize [what happened to] create these characters..." The problem(s) is that Williams is too old, imho, to play him, and he is not built like the Joker. Another problem is Williams is too recognisable to play the clown prince. I think people will see him as Robin Williams playing the Joker instead of just the Joker. I would of liked to see his take on the character though. However, I trust Christopher Nolan, so whatever he decides, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But my personal choice would be Crispin Glover.

[Kaeos]

Well, we may not know who, but according to Michael Caine, we will have the Joker.

Turner Classic Movies - Michael Caine Interview (http://www.tcmonline.co.uk/month/0706/theme2.jsp)

You have to dig a little for the blurb about the Batman Sequal, but his comment was:

"Christopher Nolan who directed Batman is doing a smaller film called The Prestige about magicians and it’s very interesting. And we’re going to make The Joker next year."

[SinisterPryde]

So does this mean that the sequel to Batman Begins will be called "The Joker", or was Micheal Caine just referring to the villian in an off-hand way?

Although this is completely from left-field, I think Noah Taylor (from Tomb Raider 1 & 2, and Vanilla Sky) would make a good Joker. He's mostly unknown and he's got the look. Or maybe they should get Tim Burton to play the role...:wink:

[gerber]

Will Ferrell is the Joker!! All he needs to do is lose a few pounds, put on the makeup and add the sadistic smile. His comedic genius and natural acting talent could definitely "kill us with laughter"!!

[DaForce]

Will Ferrell is the Joker!! All he needs to do is lose a few pounds, put on the makeup and add the sadistic smile. His comedic genius and natural acting talent could definitely "kill us with laughter"!!


Um, sorry but since Mr. Ferrell will be in 183 other films this year, he will unfortunately not be able to lend his 'talent' to the movie.


[/sarcasm]


.

[gerber]

I take it you're not a big fan of Ferrell, but I still think he would be dieal for the part in the same way that Jim Carey brought the Riddler to life. Actually, Carey should have played the Joker to begin with. Although I liked Nicholson's Joker, I'm still not sure why they cast him. I think it could have been done much better, and hope they get it right this time. But, I am worried with this talk of Heath Ledger. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see!!

[DaForce]

I take it you're not a big fan of Ferrell, but I still think he would be dieal for the part in the same way that Jim Carey brought the Riddler to life. Actually, Carey should have played the Joker to begin with. Although I liked Nicholson's Joker, I'm still not sure why they cast him. I think it could have been done much better, and hope they get it right this time. But, I am worried with this talk of Heath Ledger. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see!!


No, I'm not a big fan of comedians flooding a year's worth of movies with their bad acting and mostly unfunny comedy. The big three that fall into this category are Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Wil Ferrell.

So frankly, I'd prefer Ferrell to stay in the lowbrow comedy movies he's been starring in and NOT mucking up the quality of the new Batman franchise.


We had plenty of that kind of crap with the Burton and Schumacher movies.




.

[neglet]

Yeah, I'm not sure whose bright idea it was that a comic actor would be good to play the Joker or the Riddler. They're villains, they're not supposed to be comic relief. You need an actor who can play funny crazy (and straight out batshit insane), not funny ha ha, or it's going to turn campy.

I'm not sure why some people don't like the idea of Heath Ledger as the Joker, I think he has the acting chops for it. Is it because he is too pretty? If so, recall how Brad Pitt played crazy in "12 Monkeys"--that kind of casting against type really worked to reinforce the crazy bit. I think it could work very effectively in this case, too.

[gerber]

I like the idea of a comedic actor playing the part of the Joker. After all, the Joker is the CLOWN Prince of Crime. However, it most definitely should be an actor, who can also play a serious dramatic role because this would be necessary to show the dualistic nature of such a character. I think this exactly why so many fans have always thrown around Robin Williams name as a potential Joker because he possesses this ability, but we were only able to find this out because a director gave him the chance to prove it. Most comedians are brilliant actors as well. You almost have to be to improvise and be such a good comic. The two are intimately intertwined as far as natural talent goes in that regard. This is why I suggested Will Ferrell. I see the same potential in him that many once saw in Robin Williams. But, there were also many who only saw Williams as Mork from Ork, and thought that he could make the transition. Same as true about Tom Hanks, who also started out as a comedic actor.

[DaForce]

Tell you what, when Wil Ferrell does Shakespeare (like Robin Williams has done), then I'll maybe consider him.

















But not likely.

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