The Joker is a tough role to play. Every iteration brings something new and unique to the character. But who does it best? Leto, Ledger, Nicholson, Romero, Phoenix, or Hamill? 

Stay focused. This is no laughing matter. 

“I’m not going to kill you. I’m just going to hurt you really, really bad.” 

Sigh. Let’s get this over with. Jared Leto is my least favorite to don the face paint. This was a weird time for DC. The franchise was playing catch up to Marvel and struggling to find their vibe. Leto never really stood a chance, but then did he really deserve one? 

It is difficult for me to enjoy his portrayal given the questionable direction, strange character choices, and reports of bizarre behind-the-scenes incidents. I wasn’t aware of Leto’s problematic behavior at the time this movie was released but I was aware that his performance seemed both strained and flat. I liked him on My So-Called Life and I was rooting hard for the DC Universe because I love Batman and Superman. I enjoyed Man of Steel and loved Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. When I sat down to watch Suicide Squad, I had hoped to love it as well. 

I didn’t. 

Aside from Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and a brief Ben Affleck bat-cameo, the movie didn’t do much for me. Leto’s Joker is cringey, like writers didn’t know what to do with the character, so Leto got in there and just made things worse. Following Heath Ledger is no small feat, but dang. The Joker should be a character you can’t get enough of. For me, I just wanted Leto’s Joker to stop talking. 

“I used to think my life was nothing but a tragedy, but now, now I realize it’s all just a comedy.”

I debated on even including Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal because I don’t know what to think about The Joker as a movie overall. It’s a good movie and Phoenix embodies the character of Arthur Fleck, but is this movie really part of the Batman universe? Sure, we meet a very young Bruce Wayne at the gates of Wayne Manor and several theories abound about whether Fleck is even the Joker we know or some inspirational form of the character. As per usual, DC doesn’t make it easy on us. 

We accompany Fleck on his slow slip into madness and it is the first time we see the storied decline on film. We are invited to feel for him, to try to relate to his anger and blossoming homicidal rage, we bear witness to the fragility of Fleck’s splintered mind. By the end of the movie, we understand the people of Gotham City supporting and rooting for Fleck, despite his very public televised crime. We understand how darkness and anarchy can spread like smeared facepaint.

“A joke a day keeps the gloom away!”

Ceasar Romero was a serious actor playing a ridiculous role. The Batman television series and all its glorious camp is a blast to watch. It was great then and it’s great now. Romero seems to remember the one best thing about The Joker…he’s funny! Romero lights up the stage and steals every scene. 

Joker’s over-the-top schemes and humor are a perfect fit for the 60s-era classic. I argue that Romero’s portrayal should be more of an influence for any actor attempting the role. He’s diabolical, delightfully loony, and just so much fun. The fact that Romero refused to shave his trademark mustache makes me love him even more. 

“Why so serious?”

I’m not sure what the response to this question should be, but I have a hot take. Heath Ledger’s Joker was…fine. 

Before you head to Rebel Replay in a full sprint to tell me how wrong I am, let me explain. I have a favorite portrayal of The Joker and it’s very different from Ledger’s. Read on to discover my number one, though it’s probably becoming obvious. 

It’s not that I dislike Ledger’s run, it’s just not my favorite. He’s kind of funny. He’s definitely psychotic. Ledger does capture one truly important aspect of the character that others struggle with. 

He’s terrifying. 

He’s a perfect mirror to Bale’s Batman, the intent of Christopher Nolan. The dark to the light, Ledger was fully committed to a unique take to the role. His look and presence are both powerful and memorable.

For me, Ledger comes up just a little shy because he’s not that funny. His jokes are serious (“Watch me make this pencil disappear.”) and horrifying. Remember my earlier admission about my lack of comic knowledge. Just like movies, there are countless renditions of The Joker and Ledger’s take might be accurate to some of those comic styles, but it’s just a smidge too dark for me. 

That said, I would have loved to see Ledger’s return as the Joker as the chemistry between Ledger and Bale is amazing. He was a brilliant actor and he is sorely missed and deeply grieved.

“Tell me, Bats. What are you really scared of?”

When Batman: The Animated Series was released shortly after the wild success of Batman (1989), I was immediately hooked. The show had the same tone as the movie, and I couldn’t wait to see each new episode. I’ve never been into comics, but I love superhero movies and shows. I was super young when Batman (1989) hit theaters and other than the Batman TV series, I only had basic knowledge of the Dark Knight.  

It was a while before I learned that my beloved Luke Skywalker was the voice of The Joker in the show. Hamill is amazing. He is funny and terrifying, both critical for getting it right. Hamill’s Joker seems a perfect match for Kevin Conroy’s excellently voiced Batman and the two would do the show, multiple animated movies, and the truly fantastic Arkham series of games. 

Hamill plays the Joker as unhinged, brilliant, and powerful. When I think of the moniker “Clown Prince of Crime” I immediately think of Hamill. This is the Joker we get to spend the most time with and we’re better off for it. 

Other actors have played the Joker. Mark Hamill owned it. 

“Never rub another man’s rhubarb.” 

Jack Nicholson is THE version of the Joker for me. His character has a good backstory that makes sense for the movie and the character. Jack Napier is established as tough, reckless, and a little crazy before Batman drops him into a vat of acid. 

Nicholson clearly let it all out for this role. He’s a gifted actor and has experience playing crazy characters, so he’s the perfect choice for The Joker. As I watched Batman, I laughed out loud throughout the movie at The Joker’s quips, monologues, and questions. 

Nicholson also nails a super important trait. The laugh. His laugh seems genuine and insane. 

Lastly, Nicholson brings intensity to the role. Like Ledger, Jack Nicholson’s Joker seems to be a true threat to Michael Keaton’s Batman. His crime boss past means he is tough, skilled with a weapon, and his cronies are just as strong. The way Nicholson’s Joker is almost courting the citizens of Gotham City while simultaneously planning their demise is truly maniacal and fascinating. Sure, that’s more writing and direction than acting, but Nicholson brings it life. 

“Where does he get those wonderful toys?!”

At Rebel Replay we have ALL the best toys. Vinyl, CDs, cassettes, video games from every generation and of course, MOVIES! Visit https://rebelreplay.com and give us a follow on social media (links on our site) to stay up to date on all the latest deals, trades, and goings-on at your favorite physical media store in Pataskala, Ohio!