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We’ve had several actors who have played Batman’s greatest nemesis, Joker, over the years, and while each of them delivered different performances on varying degrees and contributed a lot to the legacy of the famed villain, there’s one Hollywood star with the most comic-accurate features but never portrayed the character on screen: Adrien Brody.
Fans know him best from the award-winning 2002 filmThe Pianistand BBC’sPeaky Blinders, but he almost joined the league of DC’s Batman rogues gallery in 2008 withThe Dark Knight. Evidently, this did not push through, but it would have been intriguing to see how Brody would take on the role.
Adrien Brody was considered for the part of Joker
Heath Ledgerultimately played Joker inChristopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knight. Before his casting, the director once spoke withAdrien Brodyabout the coveted role. While the latter revealed he wasn’t close to bagging the part, he admitted he was interested in the project.
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Speaking with Josh Horowitz on theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, Brody reflected on the time he almost starred in a superhero film and what he thought of Ledger’s performance. “It was a role that I felt very suited to do,” Brody stated. “I mean, I think Heath did such a remarkable job in that movie, and it was indelible, and such beautiful work,” the actor added.
He expressed awe at how Nolan managed to create such a masterpiece with profound vision and noted how no one was doing anything similar to that at the time, including the portrayal of a character so dark and complex as the Clown Prince of Crime. For Brody, Joker was a “dream role”.
When asked if he still wants to play Joker someday, or any comic book figure for that matter, Brody was very optimistic with his response:
If I was presented with an opportunity to play an interesting character with a filmmaker that elevated me and gave me space to do something vastly different, in that world, it sounds amazing.
The 51-year-old star is very aware of how prominent and well-loved superhero films are these days and he expressed enthusiasm at being a part of it someday. Still, he wants the role to resonate with him and leave a lasting impact.
James Gunn needs to hire a comic-accurate Joker actor
WithJames Gunnbringing anew Batman into the DC Universe, it’s already understood that he’s introducing a new Joker as well, and here is Brody expressing himself to the world. It’s time we get a comic-accurate Joker, not only in his mannerisms but also in his facial features—elongated face, hooked nose, and a maniacal grin.
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Last year, the head of DC Studios debunked a rumor about aJokerseries withBarry Keoghanin the lead. He said that the subject has not come up yet in their discussion. Fans would remember the Irish star appearing in a cameo scene inMatt Reeves’The Batman, which is outside of DCU.
The Dark Knightis currently available to watch on Max.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3532
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
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Adrien BrodyBatman: The Dark KnightJames GunnJoker
