Friday, July 28, 2006

The Joker: Are you Joking?

According to the Latino Review, Heath Ledger is apparently been offered to star as the Joker in Christopher Nolan's sequel to Batman Begins.

(The Latino Review broke the story that Brandon Routh would play the part of Superman, so that gives some validity to this breaking story).

Also, I read awhile back that Michael Caine in talking about the film, called Batman Begins 2, "The Joker."

I like that title, and think it's more suiting than something long like "Batman Begins Again" or "Batman Begins: United."

For a previous discussion on this film check out the post The Joker and Batman Begins 2.

Sorry Jordan, I know you were hoping Paul Bettany would get the role, and you even mentioned Bettany's role in A Knight's Tale, I guess we were just thinking about the wrong Knight's tale character.

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15 comments:

MC said...

Well, the other Joker name that has been on the table is Robin Williams... and to me he is way, way down the list.

elasticwaistbandlady said...

Hmmm, Heath Ledger is an acceptable choice as long as the story line doesn't find him as Joker, working on a Montana sheep farm alongside Batman.

"I wish I knew how to quit you Batman; but I cain't"!

Anonymous said...

yeah, i'd never read any van Gogh quotes before that, i've only seen his art. it was an interesting insight. thanks for the comment!

jasdye said...

bettany would definitely be a far superior - um, - anything to heath ledger. unless we're talking 'pretty boy'.

but nolan's got a knack. anybody who could make a good movie and slightly subdued performances from chronic overactors like the aforementioned robin williams AND al pacino (in the same movie, nonetheless) can do ANYTHING!

Dad said...

Wouldn't it be weird if Micheal Keaton played the Joker?

Jordan M. Poss said...

As disappointed as I am (and I am greatly), Ledger is better than Robin Williams, who has just been trying too hard the last few years.

I still want to see Bettany get the role, though. Heath Ledger is too much of a "hunk"--the Joker needs to be lanky and awkward, like the kid everybody knew in high school who thought he was hilarious and grew up to be the creepy Wal-Mart cart-wrangler. You know the type.

Sigh. But whatever. Thanks for the heads-up.

Terence Towles Canote said...

I have to admit I was a bit surprised that Ledger might have been cast as The Joker. I think Paul Bettany would be a much better choice. In fact, I'd say he may well be the best choice.

Paula said...

Oh! The Joker!!! One of the best Batman comics I ever bought was "The Killing Joke" by Alan Moore, Brian Bolland, and John Higgins. It shows the origin of the Joker--would I be a happy fan if they based the next movie on this story!! The Joker is as evil as I've ever seen him, yet by the end of the story, you understand what drove him to his insanity, and you actually pity him. Quite remarkable!

J.D. said...

I suppose it remains to be seen how Heath Ledger would do.

I personally think Steve Buscemi would've been an ideal Joker. Maybe even Gary Sinise.

A friend of mine suggested Dane Cook, after seeing him screaming and going insane in his comedy act.

I do think Michael Keaton would be a delicious irony as the Joker too. Just as long as it's not Cillian Murphy.

Magnus said...

I had read somewhere that Christopher Eccleston (Jude, Shallow Gave, Elizabeth and more recently Dr, Who) was being considered for the Joker.
Can't stand Heath Ledger. Don't know why, just rubs me the wrong way. I think the Joker should be a bit older than Batman as well or at least poximal in age.
BTW, Cillian Murphy already played Dr. Crane, so no worries about that one.

Darrell said...

Well, I was hoping for Johnny Depp (with a back-up plan of Adrian Brody), and the idea of Heath Ledger makes me very sad. I'd hoped that they'd at least cast someone who's capable of acting. Heath Ledger's acting ability is such that, if you were to push him off a cliff, he couldn't act like he was fallling.

An interesting tidbit... and it might be that I'm being dense and not picking up on the fact that this fact is already subtext at this comment thread... but, anyway, Robin Williams was considered for the Joker in the first Batman Tim Burton film.

Sher said...

I can't get past his role in 10 Things I Hate about You, and the fact that he's too hott to be the Joker. I'm kinda disappointed!

Anonymous said...

why does it say "mooks" on his shirt? what does that mean?

Magnus said...

Darrell, you're beautiful! Adrian Brody would have been a much better choice! Damn why couldn't we have a say in casting?

Maurice Emel Wright said...

I know this is moot to say but i still think it wouldve been tyte to have mark hammil (formerly luke skywalker) play the joker. I guess its since he voiced him on the animated series and I credit that more than the comic for my interst in the franchise. Plus the irony of him playing the greatest hero and then one of the greatest villians would be too great.