MCU Villain Actor Now Eyes Iconic Role as DC’s Joker

Chukwudi Iwuji, known for his chilling turn as the High Evolutionary in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, has revealed that he hopes to take on one of the most iconic roles in comic book history: the Joker in the DC Universe.

In a recent interview with Daniel Merrifield, Iwuji shared his vision for the character, emphasizing that he wants to explore the Joker’s “deep sadness” while keeping the villain’s signature mania intact.

“There has to be something maniacal about the Joker, right? But ‘maniacal’ has such a huge range. The part of Heath Ledger’s Joker that moved me most was when you realize that he keeps making up a story about his father each time,” Iwuji explained. He added that this mix of loneliness and flamboyance is central to understanding the character.

Iwuji also pointed to Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal, particularly the iconic “dancing on the steps” scene, as inspiration. “I think it comes from a guy that feels the need to make up a story about his father and that there’s a guy that wishes he could be dancing on the steps with water and not give a shit, but he has this mantle of being the Joker to play. So there’ll be a deep sadness in him,” he said.

“I just feel there’s so much richness about sadness with the Joker. And when you’re so laser-focused on your inner turmoil, the things you could do to other people without even it counting is very scary.”

Iwuji rose to widespread recognition in the MCU after portraying the High Evolutionary, a brilliant but morally complex antagonist in 2023’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Critics praised his performance for bringing a chilling intelligence and emotional depth to the character, highlighting how he balanced the High Evolutionary’s scientific genius with a terrifying ruthlessness. Many reviews noted that Iwuji’s portrayal added gravitas to the film’s villain, elevating the High Evolutionary beyond a typical comic book antagonist.

With this background in playing layered villains, Iwuji now hopes to bring his approach to the Joker, grounding the character in emotional complexity while embracing the chaotic energy fans expect.

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