Joaquin Phoenix recently revealed that he was once considered for the role of Joker in The Dark Knight, a part that ultimately went to Heath Ledger. Speaking with Rick Rubin on the Tetragrammaton podcast, Phoenix recalled discussing the role with director Christopher Nolan but noted that he wasn't ready to take it on at that time.
Phoenix's insights provide a unique look into the casting process for The Dark Knight and how different actors were considered for the Joker's iconic role. Phoenix stated, “I wasn't ready then…It's one of those things where I felt, ‘This isn't me.'” He also mentioned he couldn't recall if Nolan had been set on him or if they simply discussed the potential. However, Phoenix's reluctance to take on the role left an opening for Heath Ledger, whose unforgettable portrayal earned him a posthumous Academy Award.
Since 2019, Phoenix has brought his own version of the Joker to life, beginning with the standalone film Joker, which explores the origin of the character. The movie was a huge success, leading to its recent sequel Joker: Folie à Deux. Reflecting on Ledger's performance, Phoenix expressed his admiration, noting, “I can't imagine what it would be if we didn't have Heath Ledger's performance in that film, right?”
As of October 29, Joker: Folie à Deux has been available for digital purchase in the US, while UK fans can catch it digitally starting November 4. Phoenix's comments give fans a glimpse of the “what could have been” while honoring Ledger's legendary impact.
Phoenix's reflections show the significance of timing, self-awareness, and the impact of another actor's legacy on a role as monumental as the Joker. It's fascinating to imagine how his portrayal would have fit into The Dark Knight, yet fans now get to enjoy his dark, unique take on the character through his standalone Joker films.
Joaquin Phoenix's candid reflections on the Joker role shed light on the complexities actors face when considering roles, especially ones as iconic as the Joker. Phoenix's decision shows humility and respect for what Ledger brought to the character, underscoring his own unique journey to eventually portraying Joker. Watching Phoenix's portrayal in Joker and Joker: Folie à Deux, one can see how deeply he connects to the role. It's a reminder of the powerful, subjective decisions actors make in taking on roles that might define or even haunt them. In some ways, Phoenix's Joker feels like the culmination of a career-long journey, shaped by both the roles he took on and those he chose to leave behind.
Do you think Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the Joker would have worked in The Dark Knight, or was Heath Ledger's version the perfect fit for the film's tone?
