The debate over The Batman’s deleted Joker sequence isn’t going away any time soon. Why was he omitted from the film? What brings him to Arkham Asylum? All of these questions are likely to be addressed in the sequel. Director Matt Reeves recently disclosed that Barry Keoghan has yet to fully transform into the Joker, which is sure to pique interest.
It remains to be seen how Keoghan’s Joker will be welcomed. It won’t be easy to stand out from the crowd. Many famous performers have played the Clown Prince of Crime in live action and animation over the years. There’s no doubt about which Joker actors fans prefer but this list is in alphabetical order :
Cameron Monaghan – Gotham (2014–2019)
Monaghan began her acting career at the age of nine, participating in films and television shows. Fans will recognize him as Ian Gallagher from Shameless in addition to his important DC role.
Monaghan’s portrayal of a member of the Batman Rogues Gallery is fascinating because he gets to play twins (Jerome and Jeremiah) who are both younger versions of the criminal mastermind. Monaghan does an excellent job of showcasing the two Jokers’ distinct characteristics. As a result, it’s no surprise that admirers rate the actor highly on Ranker.
Cesar Romero – Batman (1966–1968)
Romero is easily one of the most prolific actors of all time, with over 300 film and television credits. He was typically typecast as a Latinx lover, despite the fact that he mostly played antagonists.
Romero’s Joker thrives off of hilarity. He appeals to admirers because he has no qualms about doing the most ludicrous of things. Romero’s overacting may not appeal to current audiences, but when viewed through the lens of the 1960s, his performance is rather stunning. Romero’s Joker also has a larger assortment of devices than any other incarnation of the character. He always has something fresh to amaze people with, from a Joke Flower to an exploding cigar.
Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight (2008)
Ledger is one of the few actors to receive an Oscar posthumously. He is one of only two performers to win an Oscar for playing the Joker, alongside Phoenix.
The fact that Ledger is regarded as one of the most worthy Oscar winners of all time demonstrates how well he suited the character. Ledger’s Joker is responsible for many of the best Dark Knight trilogy quips. Each sentence is delivered flawlessly by the performer. But it’s the fact that this Joker is a more creative anarchist that will always make him noteworthy. To him, destroying hospitals is no big thing, and neither is allowing two gangs to blow each other up.
Jack Nicholson – Batman (1989)
Without a doubt, Nicholson is the most successful actor on the list. He’s played a romantic lead a few times, but he’s known for playing villains and antiheroes.
Nicholson, who is used to playing villains, has little trouble portraying the Joker. The dialogue and the humor are both excellent. Most notably, Nicholson’s Joker has a smile that none of the other iterations of the character have. As a result, the image of his face lingers in the minds of viewers long after they’ve seen the film.
Joaquin Phoenix – Joker (2019)
Phoenix is one of the best actors of the twenty-first century, having been nominated for an Academy Award four times. He is an animal rights activist in addition to his profession in Hollywood.
Phoenix’s Joker is pitted against his own inner demons rather than Batman. When it comes to nailing the character’s mannerisms, the actor accomplishes almost everything properly. The lack of Batman (Bruce Wayne is only a child after all) is a boon to Joker, since he gets a true origin narrative and can make decisions free of the Gotham hero’s influence.
John DiMaggio – Batman: Under The Red Hood (2010)
DiMaggio has appeared in a few live-action films, but he likes to concentrate on voice work. He’s also recognized for playing many personas in the same project, as seen in Johnny Bravo and Rick & Morty.
DiMaggio’s joker is distinguished from other versions by his deep voice rather than the customary high-pitched tone. Fans of novels with violence will undoubtedly enjoy DiMaggio’s Joker. There is no shortage of villainous acts, from killing Jason Todd to paralyzing Barbara Gordon. He also wears an orange shirt under his coat to pay homage to Jack Nicholson’s Joker.
Mark Hamill – Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1994)
Hamill will always be Luke Skywalker to Star Wars fans. Despite the fact that he is best known for playing a live-action character, his resume includes appearances in animated films, television shows, and video games.
It’s possible that Hamil’s Joker has the best voice of all. In an unmatched performance, the acclaimed actor brings out the shouts, laughs, and threats. Furthermore, Nicholson’s Joker outsmarts his opponents because he never runs out of plots. Then there’s the fact that he’s the Rogue’s Gallery’s unofficial leader.
Michael Emerson – The Dark Knight Returns Duology (2012–2013)
Emerson is noted for portraying villains. In The Practice, he played serial killer Hinks, and in Evil, he played occult expert Dr. Leland Townsend.
Emerson’s Joker will live on in the minds of DC fans as the only geriatric version of the villain to appear on the big or small screen. And Emerson does a good job of changing his tone to match the character’s age. He has no issue producing outstanding moments for Joker’s sadistic moments, such as when he murders multiple people in the Tunnel of Love, because he has played baddies before. Why does he have a lower ranking? Possibly limited screentime. He only had a 5-minute conversation with Batman.
Troy Baker – Arkham Video Game Universe
Baker is a veteran of the video game business, having voiced characters including Snow Villiers in Final Fantasy and Samuel “Sam” Drake in Uncharted 4. He is currently one of the rare actors who has voiced both Marvel and DC characters, having played Loki in Marvel animated projects.
The Arkhamverse Joker impresses by offering excellent commentary to his own battle scenes. And this is something Baker brings out wonderfully, even putting the appropriate vocals to the suffering whenever Joker gets hit. Even better is that there are plenty of occasions where players may just listen to him as he embarks on lengthy speeches about his ambitions.
Zach Galifianakis – The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
Galifianakis rose to prominence after starring in the trilogy The Hangover. He’s also been a talk show presenter for years, including the opportunity to interview former US President Barack Obama.
In most Batman material, the Joker is more sadistic than hilarious, despite being a clown. Galifianakis, on the other hand, manages to tap into the villain’s comedic side as a comedian. Galifianakis’ Joker never fails to make viewers laugh, whether he’s scolding his goons for getting knocked up too easily or lamenting Batman’s lack of respect for him.
