The state of the DC Extended Cinematic Universe is currently in flux. With no secondJustice Leaguefilm in sight and movies in their own universe or presenting new continuities being released, there is a lot of movement, excitement, and uncertainty. This presents the perfect opportunity to recastone of the most iconic villainsof all time with a new DCEU Joker.
There have been many representations of the Joker over the years. He has been portrayed in comics, movies, video games, television shows, and even onstage. He has been both live-action and animated–in the latter, he has been voiced particularly memorably byStar Warslegend Mark Hamill. In live-action projects alone, six actors have played the Joker: Cesar Romero in the 1960s, Jack Nicholson in 1989, Heath Ledger in 2008,Cameron Monaghan in the TV showGotham, Joaquin Phoenix in 2019’s standaloneJoker, and Jared Leto in the DCEU.
RELATED:10 Things We Learned From The Suicide Squad’s Trailer
Jared Leto’s Joker was first introduced to the DCEU in 2016’sSuicide Squad. His Joker resembled a crime boss, with tailored suits, prison tattoos, and metal teeth. This Joker has been controversial, both for the portrayal of the character itself–which fans either loved or hated–and for Leto’s rumored offscreen behavior. Leto’s Joker was only mentioned and not seen in the Harley Quinn vehicleBirds of Prey,but returned to the DCEU briefly inZack Snyder’s Justice League.
The Joker appears in the epilogue of the film in the dark potential future, traveling with Batman and several other heroes.His appearance has changedsince he was last seen inSuicide Squad, now sporting longer hair and with no visible face tattoos. The atmosphere between him and Batman, who he calls Bruce, is tense, and references are made to the death of Harley Quinn as well as the death of Batman’s “adopted son.” He offers a Joker playing card to Batman, a sign of truce. Despite the interesting setup at the end of the film, there will be no direct continuation toZack Snyder’sJustice League.
NoJustice Leaguefollow-up means that there are no projects which are confirmed to include Jared Leto’s Joker at this time. The Joker will also not be appearing in upcoming filmThe Suicide Squad.The movie is said to be somewhere between a reboot and a standalone sequel to 2016’sSuicide Squad, providing a new take on the universebut featuring returning characters, including Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag, Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller. With the Joker not returning for this film, there is nothing in the way of recasting the role and introducing a new Joker to the DCEU.
The Flash,starring Ezra Miller’s version of the character, could present a perfect reason and opportunity to introduce a new Joker. Said to be roughly following the time-travelingFlashpointstoryline from the comics,The Flashhas the potential to make major changes to the current DCEU by creating a different timeline and new version of reality. In this new version of reality, someone else could have become the Joker, explaining the recasting. It could also create a reality where Jared Leto’s Joker died, prompting someone else to take on the name and identity of the Joker. This would not have to happen onscreen, but rather be the explanation postThe Flashfor a new Joker in any following projects going forward.
In the realm of DC films not yet in development,Batgirl was apparently supposed to be introducedin the Ben Affleck-led Batman film that never happened. It’s possible that DC could still want to explore the character of Batgirl, however, despite the film being shelved. There have also been rumors for years about the possibility of a project starring Nightwing. A film with both or either of these characters could provide a chance to introduce a new version of the Joker. His recasting could be explained, as previously suggested, as a consequence of the events ofThe Flash.
Another major project that could present opportunities for a new Joker isThe Batman. This will not be starring the DCEU’s Ben Affleck, but rather Robert Pattinson, in abrand new version of the character. The film is confirmed to be stacked with famous Batman characters and villains, including Catwoman, The Penguin, and Carmine Falcone. Assuming he will not be seen or referenced in this film, a follow-up movie could easily introduce the Joker. Of course, as it is a new Batman, a Joker introduced to this continuity could technically be considered not a new DCEU Joker.
There have been many versions of the Joker, with fans and audiences constantly debating about which is the best one. Regardless of the controversy, Jared Leto’s Joker has certainly been memorable. But this does not mean there isn’t room to recast the character. There is space to recast and refresh–whether it be with a younger Joker, an older one, a Joker of a different ethnicity, or a shift to his behavior or motives. It’s time to see another actor step into the shoes–or the white face paint–of the iconic character.
MORE:Heath Ledger’s Joker and 9 Other Memorable Movie Villains
