Despite being one of the most deserving candidates to play the role, Willem Dafoe has often been sidelined from the role of Joker. Even though many industry greats, including Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, and Joaquin Phoenix were allowed to deliver their version of the iconic DC villain, it is baffling to fans that Dafoe never made it to the list, despite his exceptional performance in the role of Green Goblin in Spiderman.
But it appears that the actor still hasn’t lost hope, as he recently went on to express his desire for the role and revealed that he is still open to the idea of portraying the Clown Prince of Crime if asked by DC.
Willem Dafoe is still open to the idea of playing Joker
Even though Willem Dafoe was once considered for the iconic role in Tim Burton’s Batman, ever since that, the actor hasn’t been once considered for the role, despite being a clear favorite for the Joker. But despite the setbacks, it appears that Dafoe is still optimistic about it and is open to playing the character if given the opportunity. During an interview with Jimmy Fallon, William Dafoe once again expressed his desire for the role. He also stated,
“I floated an idea a while ago, but it didn’t quite happen. I thought it would be cool for me to play an imposter, like slipstreaming his thing.”
The idea here refers to the concept of him playing an Imposter Joker in Todd Philip’s universe. In his GQ interview in the March of 2022, Willem Dafoe introduced the concept of him starring as an imposter Joker in Joaquin Phonix’s Joker universe. And even though the idea initially garnered a lot of heat, considering that the sequel will be emphasizing the abusive relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn, the idea of Dafoe arriving as an imposter in the movie has lost into obscurity.
Willem Dafoe can still be the new Joker in the DCU
Although DC’s deck of Jokers appears to be overstuffed with Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker sequel and Barry Keoghan’s Joker in Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe. It seems that fans can still expect The Lighthouse actor to portray the Joker on the big screen.
Considering that both the existing Jokers of DC fall under the DC Elseworlds label, the position of the character in the new James Gunn-led DCU is still vacant. And it seems that James Gunn is aiming for a much more seasoned and experienced Batman, who will mark its entrance in the upcoming movie, The Brave and the Bold.
And with DCU’s Batman most likely to set in his late thirties and forties, Willem Dafoe appears to be the perfect choice to portray an old Joker in the new DCU.
Although it isn’t confirmed whether Joker will appear in the upcoming The Brave and the Bold, fans will hope that Willem Dafoe finally gets his shot at the iconic character. And before the casting of the new Joker in the DCU, fans will get the opportunity to witness Joaquin Phoenix in his role again and will hope for another Oscar-winning performance from the actor.
Joker: Folie à Deux is set to hit theatres in 4 October 2024.
