I received “Joker” as a Christmas gift last year. And, let me tell you, it is simply one of the best Christmas gifts I’ve ever received. This is a fantastic story, brought to us by the same genius who gave us “100 Bullets,” Brian Azzarello. The artwork, which is some of the best I’ve ever seen, was done by the talented Lee Bermejo.
This story doesn’t read like most Graphic Novels in the “Batman Universe,” because it doesn’t focus on the hero. Rather, it focuses on Joker, who has been released from Arkham Asylum after proving his sanity to the doctors of Arkham. Upon his release, Joker doesn’t like what’s become of “HIS” city, and ventures out with a new-found confidant, Jonny Frost, to take back Gotham City. So, without further ado, my Fancast for “Joker”:
PS. I am intentionally steering clear of anybody who has been cast in these roles prior. Not because I think they did a bad job, but because I would like to give other deserving actors a chance. If I weren’t turning away from previous actors, I would cast Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent again.
I am choosing Isla Fisher not just because she looks the part, but because she has some serious acting chops, proven by her performances in “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and “Definitely, Maybe.” It’s bothersome, to me, that she might best be known because her husband is the dreadful, Sacha Baron Cohen.
Bob Hoskins as Monty:
Bob Hoskins is probably known by most because of his portrayal of Mario in “The Super Mario Brothers Movie” or Eddie Valiant in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Bob Hoskins is an excellent actor with many memorable roles, but his role as George in “Mona Lisa” is what sprang to mind when deciding on who should take this role.
Bradley Cooper as The Crooked Detective:
Bradley Cooper is probably best known for his work in “The Hangover,” which is rather sad. He did have a career before this movie, but some people might not realize it. He portrayed Will Tipin on the popular “Alias,” as well as supporting roles in “Wedding Crashers” and “Yes Man,” both of which weren’t the best, but Cooper definitely made them worth a watch.
Ryan Gosling as Edward Nygma:
This former Mousketeer was probably first seen in “Remember the Titans” as Alan, but made proved his worth in the following year’s “The Believer.” Since then, he hasn’t given a bad performance, thus proving that he is a force to be reckoned with, when it comes to movies. Edward Nygma isn’t a physical character, but a, obviously, cerebral villain. He should be represented on film by someone who’s charismatic and handsome, two traits that Ryan Gosling, very clearly, has.
Alright, I know most people probably saw this casting decision coming a mile away. And they should have. Philip Seymour Hoffman was rumored to play Penguin(Abner, in this telling) in the follow-up to “The Dark Knight,” long before the movie was even announced. Hoffman has come a long way from being the guy who “sharted” in “Along Came Polly.” Not until his FIRST leading role, were his talents noticed. He played Truman Copote in the biographical film, “Capote,” for which he received, deservedly, an Academy Award for Best Actor. His talents can no longer be ignored, and I think he would bring respect to a character that deserves to be respected, but, usually, isn‘t.
I know there will definitely be some voices heard on this particular decision. I think Michael C. Hall is a wonderful actor, which is an opinion shared by most. And, it can’t be doubted that comparisons can be drawn from Dexter Martin(who Michael C. Hall brilliantly portrays on “Dexter”) to Batman. Yes, Batman follows the rule of not killing, and that’s the trait that makes Dexter popular, but the characters are near identical. Michael C. Hall would also fair well as Edward Nygma, but I feel he’d best be used as Batman.
Now, while most would pick an actress like Kristen Bell, I think the role would lose the glamour that Harley Quinn possesses. Not to knock Kristen Bell, she’s talented, but I think lacks the charisma needed. Mila Kunis is best known as Jackie from “That 70’s Show,” as well as various other comedic roles. But, she has the looks, and sense of humor, that I imagine Harley Quinn would have, if she were real. Also, while I haven’t seen it, her role in the upcoming “Black Swan” has already turned heads, and I’m positive that her villainous turn in “Black Swan” would also work quite well as the lovable Harley Quinn.
I first saw Idris Elba playing Charles Miner on the American version of “The Office.” He struck me, because the character seemed rather unimportant, but he made the character unforgettable. He gave this character an arrogant, villainous feel, in a show that doesn’t need an Antagonist. It felt like his talent was wasted, but was properly used in “The Losers” as Roque. This guy is huge, and can definitely play a believable villain.
Clive Owen as Harvey Dent:
In this version, Harvey Dent is a mob boss, and not referred to as “Two-Face,” except by Joker, in a sarcastic way. I envision Harvey Dent having an unmistakably deep and intimidating voice. A voice much like the voice Clive Owen used in “Sin City” as Dwight McCarthy. I’m not a huge fan of Clive Owen, because I feel the characters he plays are the same. But, his intimidating presence and unmistakable voice would do Harvey Dent some justice.
Paul Bettany was one of many actors who were considered for the role of Joker in “The Dark Knight.” He’s also the only actor, who was in contention, that I felt, and feel, would have been brilliant in the role. I couldn’t believe Heath Ledger got the role, but was pleasantly surprised when I saw the movie.
I DIGRESS…
Paul Bettany is one of a few great actors left in Hollywood. I’ve never seen a performance of his that I disliked. The first, and my personal favorite, being his role in “A Knight’s Tale” as Geoffrey. He is probably best known for his role in “The Da Vinci Code” as the sympathetic villain, Silas. I usually knock a movie for which an actor is best known, because it’s usually not his best role. But, while it isn’t his best role, it is one of his, many, excellent parts. Paul Bettany has proven that he is an actor with exceptional skills.
We finally come down to it, The Joker himself. While a lot of people(me included) want to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt pick up the reigns left by the late Heath Ledger, I think this version of Joker should be portrayed by someone more… seasoned. Obviously, Hugh Laurie is best known as Dr. Gregory House on Fox’s “House MD,” as he should be. He does an excellent job as the Sherlock-inspired Diagnostician. I easily forget that he is a British actor, because his American accent is so convincing. But, we mustn’t forget about his comedic past. He was one-half of “Fry and Laurie,”(the other being the hilarious Stephen Fry) who showcased their comedic abilities in “Blackadder,” “Jeeves and Wooster,” and the side-splitting “A Bit of Fry & Laurie.” Laurie is an excellent talent who could easily portray this particularly dark and twisted version of The Clown Prince of Crime.
So, there you have it. I’m quite curious as to who you feel should play these memorable roles. Leave your feedback in the appropriate spot, and thank you for reading.