Top 15 Actors Perfect for the Role of Mad Hatter in the DCU

The Mad Hatter, Jervis Tetch, is one of Batman’s most peculiar villains in the DC Universe. He’s a brilliant neuroscientist with a twisted obsession with ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ using mind-control tech and eccentric hats to manipulate his victims. His unhinged, theatrical personality demands an actor who can blend charm, menace, and a touch of madness to bring him to life in James Gunn’s DCU.

With ‘The Brave and the Bold’ set to introduce a new Batman, the Mad Hatter could be a standout villain in Gotham’s dark streets. The perfect actor needs to capture Tetch’s erratic behavior, intellectual sharpness, and creepy charm while keeping audiences hooked. Here are 15 actors who could nail the role, each bringing a unique spin to this iconic character.

Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan’s ability to play complex, intense characters makes him a strong choice for the Mad Hatter. His role as the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows he can handle dark, conflicted personalities, while his performance as the Mad Hatter in ‘Once Upon a Time’ proves he’s no stranger to the character’s quirky madness. Stan’s charm and subtle menace would make Tetch both captivating and unsettling.

At 42, Stan fits the age of a mid-career Mad Hatter, blending youthful energy with seasoned cunning. His expressive eyes and ability to shift from charismatic to unhinged would bring depth to Tetch’s obsession with control and ‘Alice.’ Fans on social media have praised his potential to deliver a nuanced, chilling performance in the DCU.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott’s electrifying turn as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ shows he can steal scenes with charm and unpredictability, perfect for the Mad Hatter. His ability to balance wit and menace would capture Tetch’s whimsical yet terrifying personality. Scott’s knack for playing theatrical villains makes him a natural fit for a character obsessed with hats and mind control.

At 48, Scott could portray a cunning, manipulative Mad Hatter with a sharp edge. His work in ‘Fleabag’ highlights his skill at blending humor with intensity, which would suit Tetch’s erratic nature. Scott’s dynamic energy would ensure a memorable, larger-than-life performance in the DCU’s Gotham.

Jeremy Allen White

Jeremy Allen White’s raw, emotional performances in ‘The Bear’ make him a compelling pick for a younger, more manic Mad Hatter. His ability to portray characters on the edge of breakdown would bring authenticity to Tetch’s descent into madness. White’s naturalistic style could ground the character’s delusions in a way that feels real and disturbing.

At 34, White’s age aligns with a fresh, chaotic take on Tetch, emphasizing his unhinged energy. Fans online have noted his potential to capture the Mad Hatter’s frantic obsession with ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ making him a bold choice for a modern DCU villain.

Jackie Earle Haley

Jackie Earle Haley’s chilling performance as Rorschach in ‘Watchmen’ proves he can handle dark, complex characters with ease. His ability to convey menace through subtle expressions would make for a terrifying Mad Hatter, emphasizing Tetch’s loneliness and obsession with control. Haley’s intensity would bring a gritty edge to the role.

At 64, Haley could play an older, more seasoned Mad Hatter, adding gravitas to Tetch’s twisted psyche. His expressed interest in the role for the Reevesverse suggests he’d bring passion and depth, making Tetch a haunting presence in the DCU’s Batman universe.

Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk’s versatility in ‘Better Call Saul’ shows he can handle morally complex characters, making him an intriguing choice for the Mad Hatter. His ability to shift from charming to unhinged would fit Tetch’s delusional genius, bringing a unique spin to the villain’s theatricality.

At 62, Odenkirk could portray a mature Mad Hatter, emphasizing his intellectual sharpness and obsessive nature. His experience with layered roles would add depth to Tetch’s motivations, creating a villain who’s both quirky and dangerous in the DCU.

Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen’s theatrical flair in ‘Good Omens’ makes him a perfect fit for the flamboyant Mad Hatter. His ability to blend charm with a creepy edge would capture Tetch’s obsession with ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ making his mind-control schemes feel both whimsical and sinister.

At 56, Sheen could play a seasoned, eccentric Mad Hatter with a playful yet dangerous energy. His expressive acting and experience with quirky characters would ensure Tetch stands out as a memorable villain in the DCU’s Gotham.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe’s fearless performances in ‘Swiss Army Man’ and ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ show he can tackle eccentric roles with commitment. His ability to embrace bizarre characters would suit the Mad Hatter’s unhinged personality, bringing a fresh take to Tetch’s madness.

At 36, Radcliffe’s youthful energy could portray a volatile, obsessive Mad Hatter. His willingness to dive into oddball roles makes him a fan-favorite online for quirky DCU villains, ensuring a performance that’s both captivating and unsettling.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris’s charismatic and versatile performances in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ make him a great pick for the Mad Hatter. His ability to blend humor, charm, and a touch of menace would capture Tetch’s theatrical villainy perfectly.

At 52, Harris could play a polished yet deranged Mad Hatter, emphasizing his mind-control schemes with flair. His stage presence and knack for larger-than-life characters would make Tetch a standout in the DCU’s rogue gallery.

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi’s unique look and intense performances in ‘Boardwalk Empire’ make him a compelling choice for the Mad Hatter. His ability to play eccentric, unhinged characters would bring Tetch’s obsession with hats and control to life in a chilling way.

At 67, Buscemi could portray an older, more weathered Mad Hatter, adding depth to his delusional psyche. His distinctive voice and quirky energy would make Tetch a memorable, creepy villain in the DCU.

Giovanni Ribisi

Giovanni Ribisi’s intense and unpredictable roles in ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Ted’ show he can handle complex characters with ease. His ability to portray quirky, offbeat personalities would fit the Mad Hatter’s erratic behavior and obsession with ‘Alice.’

At 50, Ribisi could bring a youthful yet unhinged energy to Tetch, making his mind-control schemes feel both clever and disturbing. His versatility would ensure a fresh, dynamic take on the DCU’s Mad Hatter.

Martin Short

Martin Short’s comedic brilliance and theatrical energy in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ make him a fun choice for the Mad Hatter. His ability to play quirky, larger-than-life characters would capture Tetch’s whimsical yet dangerous personality.

At 75, Short could portray an older, eccentric Mad Hatter with a playful edge. His experience with over-the-top roles would bring a unique charm to Tetch, making him a standout villain in the DCU.

Alan Tudyk

Alan Tudyk’s versatility in ‘Firefly’ and ‘Rogue One’ shows he can handle quirky, intense characters with ease. His ability to blend humor with depth would make him a great fit for the Mad Hatter’s erratic and obsessive nature.

At 54, Tudyk could play a cunning, theatrical Mad Hatter, emphasizing Tetch’s mind-control tech and ‘Alice’ obsession. His expressive acting would bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the DCU’s version of the character.

Freddie Highmore

Freddie Highmore’s nuanced performances in ‘Bates Motel’ show he can portray complex, disturbed characters with depth. His ability to convey vulnerability and menace would suit a younger, more unhinged Mad Hatter, driven by his delusions.

At 33, Highmore’s age fits a fresh take on Tetch, emphasizing his intellectual brilliance and chaotic energy. His subtle intensity would make the Mad Hatter a compelling and unsettling villain in the DCU.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage’s commanding presence in ‘Game of Thrones’ makes him an intriguing choice for the Mad Hatter. His ability to convey intelligence, wit, and a touch of menace would bring depth to Tetch’s obsessive personality and mind-control schemes.

At 56, Dinklage could portray a unique, charismatic Mad Hatter, emphasizing his cunning and theatricality. His powerful screen presence would make Tetch a memorable foe in the DCU’s Gotham.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy’s chilling performance as Scarecrow in ‘Batman Begins’ proves he can handle Batman villains with eerie precision. His ability to portray cold, calculating characters with a creepy edge would make him a perfect Mad Hatter, blending intellect with madness.

At 49, Murphy could play a sharp, unhinged Tetch, emphasizing his neuroscientific brilliance and ‘Alice’ obsession. His intense gaze and subtle menace would create a truly unforgettable Mad Hatter in the DCU.

Who’s your pick to bring the Mad Hatter’s twisted charm to the DCU? Share your thoughts in the comments!