When we talk about the role of Joker, who comes first to our mind? I bet it’s Heath Ledger for his portrayal of the character in Christopher Nolan directorial The Dark Knight. He won everything for that particular role. From winning awards to win audiences’ hearts and create a legacy. But in a recent interview, Joker star Joaquin Phoenix revealed it was him whom Nolan approached first to play the Batman villain role.
Joaquin Phoenix Almost Played Joker Role In The Dark Knight Which Later Went To Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight (2008). Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment
In a recent discussion with Rick Rubin on the Tetragrammaton podcast, Joaquin Phoenix shared an unexpected connection to The Dark Knight. Phoenix, now widely recognized for his Oscar-winning portrayal of the Joker in Todd Phillips’ 2019 film, revealed that he was once approached by director Christopher Nolan to discuss the iconic role of the Joker for the 2008 Batman classic. Reflecting on the interaction, Phoenix revealed he wasn’t fully ready at the time and ultimately felt the part was meant for someone else.
“I remember I talked to Chris Nolan about The Dark Knight and that didn’t happen for whatever reason,” he said. “I wasn’t ready then. That’s one of those things where it’s like, ‘What is in me that’s not doing this?’ And it’s not about me. There’s something else. There’s another person who is going to do something. … I can’t imagine what it would be if we didn’t have Heath Ledger’s performance in that film, right?”
While the role ultimately went to the late Heath Ledger, whose performance remains legendary, Phoenix’s revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been.
“I don’t know whether Christopher Nolan was coming to me saying, ‘You’re definitely the person.’ I can’t remember the context of how we met, but I know we met,” Phoenix added. “My feeling was I shouldn’t do this, but maybe he also was like, ‘He’s not the guy.‘”
Ledger’s critically acclaimed performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight posthumously won him the Oscar for best supporting actor.
What If? Can You Imagine Anyone But Heath Ledger as Clown Prince of Crime in The Dark Knight?
Joaquin Phoenix in Joker (2019). Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Joaquin Phoenix undeniably had the talent to bring a complex version of the Joker to life, matching the brilliance of Heath Ledger’s portrayal. However, Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight has become so iconic that it is nearly impossible to envision anyone else in that role. Ledger’s performance resonated deeply with audiences due to his realistic yet authentic interpretation of the infamous Gotham villain, capturing the chaotic essence of the Joker while remaining faithful to DC Comics’ portrayal. Unlike other portrayals, Ledger’s Joker exuded a purely villainous energy, which set a distinctive standard for the character on-screen.
Phoenix, however, shared that he was not prepared to tackle the Joker at the time of The Dark Knight, suggesting he preferred an approach that diverged from Ledger’s intense Batman villain. This desire led to his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in 2019’s Joker, focusing on a deeper, tragic backstory rather than full-fledged villainy. This interpretation allowed Phoenix to establish an entirely different narrative for the Joker, delivering a performance praised for its depth and complexity. As a result, Ledger and Phoenix each brought unique dimensions to the character, solidifying their places in the Joker’s cinematic legacy.
