15 Actors Perfect for the DCU’s Joker Role

The Joker, Batman’s most iconic foe, is a character who thrives on chaos, wit, and unpredictability, making him one of the toughest roles to cast in the DC Universe. With James Gunn’s fresh vision for the DCU, we’re eager to see who’ll step into the Clown Prince of Crime’s shoes next.

Each actor we’ve chosen brings a unique spark, from chilling intensity to theatrical flair, ensuring the Joker’s legacy of terror continues. Here’s our list of 15 actors who could nail the role, starting from the bottom and working up to our top pick.

15. Jack Quaid

Jack Quaid has shown he can handle both heroes and villains with ease. His role as a manipulative killer in ‘Scream’ proves he can tap into the Joker’s dark, mocking energy. Quaid’s charm and versatility make him a solid fit for a younger, cunning Joker. He could bring a fresh, sarcastic edge to the character, blending humor with menace in a way that feels new yet true to the DCU’s vibe.

His work in ‘The Boys’ shows he’s comfortable with intense, chaotic roles. Quaid could craft a Joker who’s both charismatic and deeply unsettling, perfect for a Gotham that needs a villain to match its new Batman.

14. Giovanni Ribisi

Giovanni Ribisi’s knack for playing twitchy, cerebral characters makes him a dark horse for the Joker. His performances in ‘Boiler Room’ and ‘Sneaky Pete’ highlight his ability to portray intense, unpredictable figures. Ribisi could deliver a quieter, more calculating Joker, one who unnerves with subtle menace rather than loud theatrics. His nervous energy would suit a villain who’s always one step ahead.

With his understated style, Ribisi could create a Joker who feels like a coiled spring, ready to snap. This approach would offer a fresh take, emphasizing brains over bombast in the DCU’s Gotham.

13. Jamie Campbell Bower

Jamie Campbell Bower’s gothic charm and intense screen presence make him a compelling choice. His chilling role as Vecna in ‘Stranger Things’ shows he can embody a terrifying yet elegant villain. Bower’s Joker could be a haunting, almost poetic figure, treating chaos like a performance. His lean frame and sharp features would fit a younger, stylish Clown Prince.

Bower’s ability to blend charisma with darkness would bring a unique flavor to the role. He could craft a Joker who’s both alluring and horrifying, a perfect fit for a bold, artistic DCU vision.

12. Owen Teague

Owen Teague’s villainous turn as a bully in ‘It’ hints at his potential to play a young, unhinged Joker. At 26, he’s got the energy to portray a rising criminal mastermind. Teague’s ability to shift from charming to cruel would suit a Joker who’s just beginning to wreak havoc in Gotham. His fresh face could bring new life to the character.

His recent lead in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ shows he can carry complex roles. Teague’s Joker could be a raw, unpredictable force, setting the stage for a gripping DCU rivalry with Batman.

11. David Howard Thornton

David Howard Thornton’s silent yet expressive performance as Art the Clown in ‘Terrifier’ screams Joker potential. His theatrical style and ability to convey menace without words make him a standout. Thornton’s Joker could lean into physical comedy and horror, creating a truly nightmarish villain. His fan-favorite role in ‘Nightwing: Escalation’ already shows he can channel the Clown Prince.

Thornton’s knack for exaggerated expressions would bring a classic, comic-book Joker to life. He’d fit perfectly in a DCU that balances dark tones with bold, colorful chaos.

10. Cameron Monaghan

Cameron Monaghan’s dual roles as Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska in ‘Gotham’ (2014-2019) make him a natural pick. His ability to play both a wild, anarchic proto-Joker and a calm, calculated one shows his range. Monaghan could bring a layered performance, blending the character’s manic energy with chilling depth. His familiarity with Gotham’s world is a big plus.

Monaghan’s standout performances in ‘Gotham’ earned him praise for capturing the Joker’s essence. He could deliver a DCU Joker who feels both fresh and deeply rooted in the character’s chaotic history.

9. Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage’s wild, theatrical style makes him a bold choice for the Joker. His unhinged performances in ‘Mandy’ and ‘Renfield’ show he can blend camp with terror. Cage’s Joker would be larger-than-life, delivering chaotic energy with a surreal twist. His love for bold roles fits James Gunn’s vision for a daring DCU.

Cage’s ability to swing from intense to absurd would create a Joker who’s unpredictable and unforgettable. He’d bring a unique, almost operatic flair to Gotham’s most infamous villain.

8. David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian’s knack for quirky, intense roles makes him a great fit for the Joker. His work as Polka-Dot Man in ‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021) shows he can handle oddball characters with depth. Dastmalchian’s lean frame and expressive face could craft a Joker who’s both creepy and charismatic. His DCU experience gives him an edge.

He’s proven he can steal scenes in ensemble casts, which bodes well for a villain who dominates attention. Dastmalchian’s Joker would be a subtle yet terrifying force in Gotham.

7. Taron Egerton

Taron Egerton’s charm and intensity make him a strong contender. His roles in ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2014) and ‘Rocketman’ show he can handle both action and emotional depth. Egerton’s Joker could be a charismatic showman, hiding a dark, sadistic streak. His youthful energy would suit a new, vibrant DCU.

Egerton’s ability to portray complex characters would bring a fresh dynamic to the Joker. He could balance the villain’s humor and horror, making him a worthy foe for Batman.

6. Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe’s post-Harry Potter career shows his range, from quirky in ‘Swiss Army Man’ to intense in ‘The Lost City’ (2022). His ability to play eccentric characters makes him a surprising but fitting choice. Radcliffe’s Joker could be a wiry, unpredictable trickster, blending wit with menace. His smaller stature would add a unique angle.

Radcliffe’s knack for diving into bold roles suggests he could tackle the Joker’s complexity. He’d bring a fresh, offbeat energy to the DCU’s take on the iconic villain.

5. Barry Keoghan

Barry Keoghan’s brief but chilling appearance as an unseen prisoner in ‘The Batman’ (2022) already teased his Joker potential. His roles in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘Saltburn’ show he can embody unsettling, magnetic characters. Keoghan’s Joker would be raw and intense, perfect for a gritty DCU Gotham. His eerie laugh alone seals the deal.

Keoghan’s ability to convey quiet menace would make his Joker a haunting presence. He could build on his cameo to create a fully realized, terrifying Clown Prince.

4. Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy’s chilling performance as Scarecrow in ‘Batman Begins’ (2005) proves he can handle Gotham’s rogues. His piercing eyes and quiet intensity would craft a Joker who’s both cerebral and terrifying. Murphy’s ability to play complex villains makes him a top pick for a darker, more psychological Joker. His DCU familiarity is a bonus.

Murphy’s understated yet powerful style would bring a unique menace to the role. He could create a Joker who’s as much a thinker as a chaotic force, challenging Batman in new ways.

3. Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson’s brooding Batman in ‘The Batman’ (2022) shows his grasp of Gotham’s dark tone. Playing the Joker as well would be a bold move, but his roles in ‘The Lighthouse’ and ‘Tenet’ prove he can handle unhinged characters. Pattinson’s Joker could be a mirror to his Batman, emphasizing their twisted connection. His intensity would shine.

Pattinson’s ability to dive into complex, dark roles makes him a fascinating choice. He could deliver a Joker who’s both a chaotic force and a tragic counterpart to his own hero.

2. Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe’s iconic villain roles, like the Green Goblin in ‘Spider-Man’ (2002), make him a natural for the Joker. His expressive face and manic energy would create a terrifying yet captivating Clown Prince. Dafoe’s interest in the role and his ability to shift from charming to psychotic make him a top contender. He’d own Gotham’s shadows.

Dafoe’s decades of playing unhinged characters would bring gravitas to the Joker. His performance could blend classic comic-book flair with a chilling, modern edge for the DCU.

1. Bill Skarsgård

Bill Skarsgård tops our list with his terrifying turn as Pennywise in ‘It’ (2017). His ability to embody a creepy clown makes him perfect for the Joker. Skarsgård’s lanky frame, intense eyes, and chilling smile would bring a fresh yet faithful take to the role. His recent comments about wanting to play the Joker only fuel our excitement.

Skarsgård’s range, from horror to nuanced roles in ‘Nosferatu’, shows he can handle the Joker’s chaos and depth. He’d deliver a performance that’s both iconic and unforgettable in the DCU.

Who’s your pick for the DCU’s Joker, or did we miss someone perfect for the role? Drop your thoughts in the comments!