Just as there have been different versions of Batman played by various actors over the years since he first came out in film adaptations, his enemy, the Joker has also had the opportunity to be the antagonist of history on several occasions. This villain is one of the most popular in DC due to his interesting story, style, and psycho personality, making him a true opponent for Batman.
The Joker made his first appearance in Batman № 1 (1940), the first comic of the night knight, being presented as the main enemy of the story. It was created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane, who gave him that crazy style and psycho comedy that would represent the complete opposite of what Batman is. So far, the Joker has only had 6 versions that have appeared in TV shows and movies. However, they have been very striking interpretations for the fans of the franchise, then we leave each of the Joker for you to know them in detail.
Cesar Romero (1966-1968)
Cesar Romero was the first actor to bring the character to life in the most popular Batman television series in the 1960s, where Batman was portrayed by Adam West and together with producers William Dozier and Howie Horwitz turned the superhero into a humorous version, parodic and with spy elements similar to those of James Bond. Despite the fact that he was not completely faithful to the comics, especially in the way of being of Bruce Wayne, this program to this day is considered as the most famous of the character of all time.
This version of the Joker it adapted very well to the style presented by the series, since despite doing his criminal acts, he also carried his moments of humor everywhere, even when he faced Batman. Furthermore, the makeup and costume were very simple, just like Batman and Robin at the time.
Jack Nicholson (1989)
After the 1960s television show, The Joker returned in 1989, but this time in a film adaptation produced by Tim Burton where Batman was portrayed by Michael Kleaton. In this movie they made a more serious story to give prominence to the superhero representing a little more what his true cold personality is, but keeping his main antagonist with humor and follies that only a deranged criminal like the Joker would do.
In this tape, Jack Nicholson had the opportunity to show the world a stylish Joker and well interpreted, which made him the best villain in DC and was also received in an excellent way by the public compared to Cesar Romero's Joker.
Heath Ledger (2008)
Subsequently, after several film failures with the Batman movies, the superhero returns in a new trilogy played by Christian Bale and produced by Christopher Nolan. In the second 2008 film, they introduced the character's new enemy, a Joker played by Heath Ledger. The actor did a great job with the role, as he gave it a lot of importance and many followers felt comfortable with the personality that he transmitted with the character, since it was very similar to that of comics, as he was a serious criminal with psychological problems who incorporated twisted jokes in his acts.
His interpretation was so excellent, that the Heath Ledger won an Oscar, BAFTA and SAG for Best Supporting Actor in 2008 for the movie Batman: The Night Knight. And so far, he is considered to be one of the best Joker's to have appeared on movie screens, as well as Christian Bale's Batman.
Cameron Monaghan (2014)
In 2016 Gotham arrives, a series that shows the origin of Batman from a perspective after when Bruce Wayne lost his parents. As a teenager who is against injustice, he delves into the plans of the wicked along with Detective Gordon. Here you can see how villains were created in its infancy
However, in the course of history, the character evolves in his criminal acts, as well as his appearance, which has not convinced much to the followers of the character due to the fact that he seems more like a strange and terrifying creature than the real Joker.
Jared Leto (2016)
Unfortunately, the successor to the 2008 Joker it wasn't enough to please the fans of the franchise. In the Suicide Squad movie, Jared Leto had a chance to play the Joker, but here instead of portraying him as the true villain that is Gotham, they adapted him like he was a crazy gangster with tattoos, metal teeth, jewelry and other details. that made it look very different from what was expected.
Because of this, and because had few scenes in the movieHe was categorized by many fans as the worst Joker ever seen in film adaptations.
Joaquin Phoenix (2019)
"The Joker" of 2019 was the most recent film in which the character has appeared, in this case, taking the leading role in an alternative story where he is played by actor Joaquin Phoenix. In this plot you can see a more realistic adaptation of the Joker, a man who has pseudobulbar syndrome, that is, who has episodes of uncontrollable laughter that torment him in his day to day. East is dedicated to being a clown and entertainer
It is a very interesting story that has been produced by Todd Phillips, and has been one of the most successful movies in DC, so much so that it has become the second actor to receive an Oscar, BAFTA and SAG in 2019 for Best Actor of the Year thanks to his performance as Joker in the film.
Which is the best Joker?
So far, the best actors who have played the Joker in film adaptations are without a doubt Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix, the winners of the OscarsThey have been responsible for making the character more and more popular and relevant in the DC universe. However, these will not be the only ones, the company is preparing many more superhero movies where the Joker could have a role again as the antagonist, as in the case of the new Batman movie that will be released next year where Bruce Wayne will be portrayed by Robert Pattinson, and the villain of the film is still unknown. This may be a good opportunity to see another version of the Joker where you have to face Batman being the criminal most striking of Gothic city.
However, for the moment it is thought that the 2019 movie "The Joker" will have a sequel where we will see the criminal again doing his thing.
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