If there is one movie that can effectively same the DC Universe franchise, it seems to be Matt Reeves’ The Batman. The visionary director plans on creating a trilogy with Robert Pattinson and a whole host of villains, one of which is rumored to be The Joker. With these rumors coming to light, now is the perfect time to pick out who we would want to see play a younger iteration of Batman’s greatest villain, so here are just a few options that could fill the giant clown shoes of their predecessors.
1. Bill Skarsgård
Embed from Getty ImagesEver since the It remake came out, Bill Skarsgård has been on the top of everyone’s list to play The Joker. He is the complete package for the character, embodying the unhinged look and frightening demeanor perfectly. At only 29, Skarsgård is in the right age range to face off against a young Batman, and could possibly be the scariest rendition of the supervillain to date.
2. Jake Gyllenhaal
Embed from Getty ImagesAs far as name recognition and fanbase goes, Jake Gyllenhaal could do wonder as The Joker. He has the hair and facial features to match the Clown Prince of Crime to a tee, and has a rich history of playing mentally tormented characters throughout his entire career. Gyllenhaal has had a connection to The Batman since the beginning, being Reeves’ first choice to play the title hero, but with his flair for portraying such lovable villains, this role could be a much better fit.
3. James Franco
Embed from Getty ImagesJames Franco, while he may be a popular choice in some circles, is often frowned upon by most fans when brought up in casting discussions because of his background as a comedic actor. However, The Joker is a failed comedian, so casting someone who has those kinds of chops as well as a knack for the dramatic could be an interesting and believable twist on a played out character. Franco can be funny, but he can be deranged just as well, and that is a description that sounds perfect for Joker.
4. Iwan Rheon
Embed from Getty ImagesIwan Rheon is perhaps best known as the most sinister villain in television history from his role as Ramsay Bolton on Game of Thrones, giving him the exact reputation someone should want an actor to have when playing the most sinister character in comic book history. While he may not have the name recognition of an A-list actor, there are still millions of people who know exactly how good of a performer he is, and that would be on full display as The Joker. This would be an instance of a studio choosing performance over star-power, and while that may not help their checkbook, it could possibly give the world the best Joker yet.
5. Tom Hiddleston
Embed from Getty ImagesTom Hiddleston is quickly dismissed for The Joker because of his Marvel contract tying him down, but with his role being diminished to a Disney+ series, this may give him an opportunity to explore other avenues. As Loki, Hiddleston has been conniving, debonair, and utterly diabolical, all of which are qualities that would make for an excellent Joker. Having such a handsome Joker would explain why he is able to manipulate people like Harley Quinn, and while his signature smile is undoubtedly charming, it can be just as unsettling in the right light.
6. Zac Efron
Embed from Getty ImagesThis is certainly a unique choice, but after Efron’s portrayal of Ted Bundy, he has proven himself as more than capable when it comes to playing a psychopath. Efron can be charming, unassuming, and then turn to murderous without skipping a beat. Much like Hiddleston, this casting could display the more manipulative side of Joker, and could give Pattinson the unique and vile nemesis he deserves.
7. Pete Davidson
Embed from Getty ImagesPete Davidson has the absolute perfect frame and facial features for The Joker, but that is where the qualifications end. However, he is supposed to be a disgraced comedian, so who better to play him than one of the most popular stand-ups in the world right now? With the right acting coach and direction taken by Matt Reeves, Davidson could be as good as anyone else in the role, and could be the first Joker who is as funny as he is terrifying.
8. Adam Driver
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Adam Driver is rarely seen with a smile on his face, he is the perfect archetype to play a villain. Dark, crass, serious, and as we have seen from his time as Kylo Ren, sometimes mentally compromised. If Driver can combine the anger of Kylo with the sheer insanity of The Joker, then he could make the character his own blend of the horrific villain.
9. Penn Badgley
Embed from Getty ImagesPenn Badgley may be known as a heartthrob to the fans of Gossip Girl, but to most people, he is known for his hit Netflix show You, in which he plays a character who is the definition of unhealthy obsession. The unsettling feeling that he gives viewers through that character could only be amplified by clown make-up and a signature grin. While he may be the least known actor on this list, he still checks all of the boxes when it comes to The Joker, and could give a performance worthy of a purple suit.
10. Bill Hader
Embed from Getty ImagesBill Hader is almost entirely a comedic actor, but with his performances in Barry and It: Chapter 2, he has shown that he can combine other elements with his comedy prowess. The Joker should be funny, he should tell jokes, and he should also wear a giant smile while he commits heinous crimes, which is exactly what could come from Bill Hader. He is slowly becoming one of the most popular writers and actors in Hollywood, and if given the chance to entrench himself into the rich Batman mythos, there is no reason as to why he wouldn’t succeed as everyone’s favorite criminal clown.