The introduction of a new live-action Batman in the DC Universe's The Brave and The Bold means that a long-lived Joker fancast can finally become a reality. Several actors have put their own unique spin on the roles of Batman and Joker throughout the years. However, the constant reboots and reimaginings that keep bringing the Dark Knight's stories to the big and the small screen continue to inspire hypothetical casting choices that become popular among fans.
Robert Pattinson's non-DCU Batman has gained recognition, but that isn't an obstacle for the introduction of another Batman in James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe. Similarly, Joaquin Phoenix's Oscar-winning performance as Arthur Fleck in Todd Phillips' Joker and Barry Keoghan's surprise appearance as the Joker in The Batman's ending can't keep the DC Universe from introducing yet another version of the Joker that fulfills many fans' wishes to see a certain actor portray the Clown Prince of Crime.
Willem Dafoe Can (& Should) Finally Play The Joker In The DC Universe
Willem Dafoe's masterful ability to play eccentric characters with fierce intensity hasn't gone unnoticed by DC fans. Roles such as Thomas Wake in The Lighthouse, Max Schreck in Shadow of the Vampire, and most famously Willem Dafoe's perfect Green Goblin in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy and the MCU's Spider-Man: No Way Home prove that Willem Dafoe possesses all the qualities an actor needs to portray the ideal live-action Joker. Just physically, Willem Dafoe already has the Joker's exact smile and laugh.
One advantage the DCU can take advantage of when casting Willem Dafoe as the Joker is that the relationship between Batman and Joker has already been explored in previous movies and shows. Now, it's not entirely necessary to develop the same relationship across multiple movies in the DC Universe, and thus it's not imperative to cast a young actor with plenty of availability for multiple appearances. Just like Joaquin Phoenix, Willem Dafoe can enjoy the freedom of a standalone performance, this time within the DC Universe.
What The DC Universe's Joker Needs To Stand Apart
Willem Dafoe's Joker would still need to steer clear from various aspects that previous live-action Joker actors have already explored. Leaning on the Joker's anarchism could coincide too much with Heath Ledger's iconic portrayal, and spending too long on the villain's psyche could make Dafoe's Joker too similar to Joaquin Phoenix's Arthur Fleck. Joker's lighthearted side has also been explored by Cesar Romero's portrayal in the 1960s Batman series, and the villain's gangster tendencies have been touched upon by Jack Nicholson's Joker in Tim Burton's Batman and by Jared Leto's in the DCEU.
Another performance Willem Dafoe's Joker would also need to diverge from is Dafoe's Green Goblin. After all, Dafoe's Norman Osborn has already displayed many Joker qualities not limited to his physical appearance and personality, but also regarding the villain's enmity with Spider-Man, which resembles the complex relationship between the Joker and Batman. Fortunately, the Joker is a character that offers many creative possibilities for each actor that brings him to life, and Willem Dafoe is a talented artist who can create a truly unique and memorable version of the iconic villain.
