Throughout cinematic history, audiences have been enthralled by an array of villainous characters, ranging from the intellectually formidable to the utterly deranged. While many villains adhere to conventional tropes, there are those whose portrayal transcends cliches, etching a lasting impression on viewers’ minds.
One such character is the Joker, whose many interpretations so far have showcased the immense talent of the actors who brought him to life. Cesar Romero’s portrayal in the 1960s Batman television series marked the character’s first appearance, setting a playful yet sinister tone. However, it was Heath Ledger’s portrayal in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight that truly redefined the role. Ledger’s depiction of the Joker as a symbol of chaos and anarchy resonated deeply with audiences and left an indelible mark.
In the wake of Ledger’s performance, actors portraying villains in comic book adaptations and beyond have drawn inspiration from his portrayal of the Joker. Here are some major villains directly inspired by Heath Ledger’s role as The Joker.
Killmomger
Michael B. Jordan, reflecting on his portrayal of Killmonger in Black Panther, revealed an unexpected inspiration – Heath Ledger‘s iconic rendition of the Joker in The Dark Knight.
In an interview with Empire magazine, Jordan expressed his admiration for Ledger’s performance, highlighting the impact it had on him as both an actor and a fan.
“You see performances as an actor, and as a fan – you look at Heath Ledger’s performance, say, in The Dark Knight, and it’s like, ‘Wow.’ I want to try to get something like that. […] Just trying to find my place amongst those roles, and strive for that, even if I don’t make it.”
In Black Panther, Killmonger emerges as a formidable antagonist whose ruthless pursuit of power echoes the anarchic fervor of the Joker.
Kang the Conquerer
Jonathan Majors, the Kang the Conqueror actor, spoke to Entertainment Weekly about how deeply he was inspired by Heath Ledger’s comic book villain Joker in The Dark Knight.
“Okay, first of all, he’s gorgeous,” said Majors. “He’s got that fucking jawline, and he didn’t give a f*ck. He threw his body around. He was so full. And I went, ‘I’m coming for that. I’m inspired.’ It takes a lot, you feel me? To be inspired.”
As Kang the Conqueror, Major first appeared in Loki season 1’s ending. Later, he reprised the role in Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania. Marvel Studios fired Majors after he was found guilty of domestic violence in December 2023.
Ma-Ma
Madeline “Ma-Ma” Madrigal, portrayed by Lena Headey, became the standout character in the movie Dredd, despite the film facing challenges at the box office. However, it managed to garner a respectable 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, largely thanks to Headey’s compelling portrayal of Ma-Ma.
The character of Ma-Ma, with her disfigured appearance and volatile demeanor, drew comparisons to the iconic villain. We see this connection most clearly in a scene where Ma-Ma uses a building’s PA system to manipulate the residents, much like how Joker masterfully sowed chaos among Gotham’s citizens.
Dr. Robotnik
Dr. Robotnik, portrayed by Jim Carrey in the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, brings a unique blend of zaniness and villainy to the screen. Carrey’s portrayal echoes elements of Heath Ledger’s Joker. Carrey himself even acknowledged a connection between the characters in an interview, but with a family-friendly twist.
In an interview with comicbook.com (via movieweb.com) he said:
“Robotnik and every supervillain in Marvel or DC basically comes from a place of neglect with a feeling of absolute worthlessness that manifests itself in magnificent creations that are designed to control the world.”
However, Carrey’s performance feels closer to his portrayal of the Riddler in Batman Forever than a full-on Joker.
Raoul Silva
In the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, Javier Bardem delivers a chilling performance as Raoul Silva, a former MI6 agent gone rogue. The character has been compared to the iconic Joker, played by Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight, for his complex and unpredictable nature.
Director Sam Mendes himself acknowledged the influence of The Dark Knight on Skyfall, aiming to create a villain with a deeper psychological profile.
Arthur Fleck
In 2019, director Todd Phillips brought a fresh perspective to the Joker character with his gritty film simply titled Joker. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a mesmerizing performance as Arthur Fleck, a struggling clown battling mental illness and societal neglect. Phoenix himself acknowledged the influence of Heath Ledger’s legendary portrayal.
During his acceptance speech at the SAG Awards, Phoenix said: “Really, I am standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor, Heath Ledger.” (via Deadline). Phoenix’s Joker isn’t just a sadistic villain; he’s a deeply troubled individual, a man teetering on the edge.
The Grabber
In the gripping horror film The Black Phone, Ethan Hawke delivers a bone-chilling portrayal of a sadistic child abductor known only as “The Grabber.” With a mask crafted by Tom Savini, The Grabber’s chilling grin drew immediate comparisons to the Joker’s haunting smile.
Steve/Brendan
Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Steve in the horror-thriller film Fresh takes inspiration from Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance as the Joker. Stan masterfully captures a character who finds pleasure in his depravity.
Beneath a facade of charm and charisma lurks a darkness that mirrors the Joker’s twisted delight in chaos.
