Filmmaker Kevin Smith is keen on seeing Johnny Depp take up the role of the Joker in the upcoming DC film, The Batman. There have been rumors of the actor being poised to join the film's cast as said character and the recent fan art depicting as much certainly does the notion justice. The movie already has some top names such as the likes of Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Paul Dano as Riddler), and Colin Farrell as Penguin joining Robert Pattinson as part of the star-studded Batman movie cast, all playing villains. However, Depp's name was recently thrown in there.

The 56-year-old remains one of the more popular faces in Hollywood and, as of 2018, was the third-most grossing actor in the world, having seen over $10 billion attached to his name. His role as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies is perhaps one of the best he's played, although the franchise has moved on without him.

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Smith, a respected authority on anything pertaining to Batman, was speaking on a recent episode of his Fatman Beyond podcast when he addressed the rumor claiming Depp is in talks to play the Joker in the Matt Reeves' film. He noted that it was a first in relation to the possibility of a Joker being in The Batman, against the backdrop of Joaquin Phoenix winning an Oscar for his role as the Clown Prince in 2019 DC hit Joker, a movie that earned over $1 billion at the box office. Smith declared that Depp would be "f-cking perfect" for the role of the character who won both Phoenix and the deceased Heath Ledger Oscars. He did go on to downplay the possibility, but pointed out that it would be a lot of fun if Depp were to land the part (if there is one).

Robert Pattinson as Batman in Costume Reveal Video

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. put the production of The Batman on a 14-day hold last week because of coronavirus concerns. The set was due to be moved from London to Liverpool, but the studio has confirmed work will stop in order to promote the safety of the cast and crew. They also noted that no one on the set has contracted COVID-19, but the situation will continue to be monitored.

While it would be great to see Depp take on the form of the Joker in The Batman, it's more unlikely than it is likely. There are already three villains involved - four if you count Carmine Falcone, played by John Turturro - and there is the feeling that a Joker would simply be too much, given his engulfing character. If there was anything to the casting rumors, though, it's possible the role could be a small one setting up a potential sequel. Still, for now fans will have to wait and see if the Joker faces off against Pattinson's Dark Knight in The Batman or a future movie.

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Source: Kevin Smith/YouTube

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