Not without reason, it seems Jared Leto is not happy to hear about the recent rumors coming out about multiple actors being hired to portray the Joker for Warner Bros. The big rumor being referred to, of course, is the one where they want to do a Joker origin film directed by Martin Scorsese where apparently his top choice to play the Clown Prince of Crime is Leonardo DiCaprio. For the fans, there is mixed opinion, because the Joker’s origins have always been shrouded in mystery, lies, and multiple histories, so having another actor play the role would in some ways pay homage to the comics where the Joker is always changing his origin story, always lying about who he was before he became Batman’s arch-nemesis. On the other hand, this is supposed to be a cohesive film universe, and having another actor play the role of the Joker in any iteration does not sit well, especially if the Joker origin film is supposed to take place in the actual DCEU, and even more especially when they have a damned good actor already signed up for the role of the Joker in Leto, who just
For the fans, there is mixed opinion, because the Joker’s origins have always been shrouded in mystery, lies, and multiple histories, so having another actor play the role would in some ways pay homage to the comics where the Joker is always changing his origin story, always lying about who he was before he became Batman’s arch-nemesis. On the other hand, this is supposed to be a cohesive film universe, and having another actor play the role of the Joker in any iteration does not sit well, especially if the Joker origin film is supposed to take place in the actual DCEU, and even more especially when they have a damned good actor already signed up for the role of the Joker in Leto, who just has not had the opportunity to really let his version out (mainly because ‘Suicide Squad’ was not a film about the Joker).
Leto apparently agrees with this side, as according to a report found in the Hollywood Reporter:
“Insiders say Jared Leto, the actor who portrayed the Clown Prince of Crime in last summer’s Suicide Squad and is slated to reprise the character not just for a sequel but for another spinoff movie (with DC villainess Harley Quinn), was caught off guard by the plans. Leto is said to have made his displeasure with the notion of multiple Jokers known to his CAA agents, and rival agency WME has been using the concern to court him.”
Of course, should the new movie anger Leto enough that he leaves the franchise, the sad truth is Warner Bros would already have a new Joker ready, though if they do cast Leonardo DiCaprio, I somehow doubt he would be in to play the Joker for more than one movie, as I think he would only do the role for Scorsese. Of course, Leto might just be getting upset at nothing as this is all just rumor at this point, and he could end up playing the Joker in all of these films, but still, were I him, I too, would be a little perturbed to hear about someone else encroaching on his turf, especially when, as stated before, he has not really had a chance to show the world what he wants to bring to the role.
What are your thoughts on having multiple actors play the Joker in the DCEU? Would it bother you to see Leonardo DiCaprio step into the role for an origin story directed by Martin Scorsese? Or does the whole notion of that film seem weirdly out of place? Sound off with your opinions below!
