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Imagine a world where Willem Dafoe’s prowling as the Joker in DC movies—sounds like a dream, right? Yet, Warner Bros. seems to have overlooked a no-brainer casting move that fans have been screaming for. It’s almost criminal! Dafoe’s uniquely twisted intensity could have turned the Joker into a force of chaotic brilliance.
WhileThe Batman 2promises plenty of thrills, it’s a missed opportunity that the studio hasn’t snatched up this versatile actor for the role. Picture this: Dafoe’s maniacal grin in the middle of Gotham’s underbelly, a performance that could redefine theJoker’slegacy. Instead, we’re left wondering what could’ve been as WB misses a golden chance to add Dafoe’s magic to the mix.
Willem Dafoe as the Joker? A missed opportunity that Warner Bros. should’ve seized
WhileWillem Dafoe’s known for his iconic Green Goblin role, he’s expressed interest in slipping into the Joker’s chaotic shoes. InTonight Showappearance, Dafoe quipped about floating the idea of portraying the Joker, though it was more of a casual mention than a formal pitch. He revealed:
Hasn’t that been done? You know, talk to Warner Bros… I floated an idea a while ago, but it didn’t quite happen, so…
Dafoe had floated the idea of playing a Joker imposter, a concept he hinted at in aninterview with GQ.
He envisioned a story where someone imitatesJoaquin Phoenix’s Joker—a creative twist that could’ve fit seamlessly into theCrisis on Infinite Earthsmovie trilogy. Even a voice role in one of DC’s animated films would have been a win. Dafoe asserted:
There is something interesting about, like, if there was a Joker imposter. So it would be possible to have not dueling Jokers, but someone that [claims] to be the Joker that isn’t the Joker.
And that kind of opens up the possibility of an interesting story, particularly if you had Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, and then you had someone who was either imitating or riffing off what he did. I fantasized about that. But other than that I am not talking to anybody [about it]. You’re the first one.
The idea of Dafoe as the Joker has set the internet ablaze, with a YouTube video imagining him in the role amassing over 3.2 million views.
Yet, Warner Bros. missed the mark on this one. AsTodd Phillipscontinues working onJoker: Folie à Deux, starring Phoenix andLady Gaga, fans are left wondering if Dafoe’s Joker might ever come to life. What a wasted opportunity for a truly iconic casting choice!
Fans Slam Warner Bros. for Ignoring the Perfect Joker Casting: Willem Dafoe
Fans aren’t holding back on their disappointment with Warner Bros. for missing the golden opportunity to cast Willem Dafoe as the Joker. For years, Dafoe’s been seen as the perfect actor to bring the iconic villain to life in DC films. But despite all the fan demand and buzz, Hollywood seems to keep looking the other way.
Whether it’s a lack of vision or simply missing the boat, fans aren’t happy. For them, Dafoe will always be the true Joker, even if Warner Bros. doesn’t make it official.
The Batman 2isset for release on August 13, 2025.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
