We weren’t expecting a superhero multiverse like this.
Willem Dafoe has his sights set on another comic book baddie, Batman’s nemesis, the Joker… or an “imposter” take on him, after reprising his role as the Green Goblin in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
In a cover story interview with British GQ, Dafoe hinted that a “Joker” sequel may broaden his position in DC and Marvel pictures. “It’s interesting to think about, like, if there was a Joker impersonator,” Dafoe said. “So instead of dueling Jokers, there might be someone who [claims] to be the Joker but isn’t the Joker.”
While fan videos have long praised Dafoe’s physical resemblance to various comic book versions of the Joker, the actor has yet to play the Batman adversary. Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix both won Academy Awards for their portrayals of the Joker, which were preceded by Jack Nicholson and Jared Leto. Mark Hamill has provided the voice of the Joker in several animated Batman episodes.
Dafoe, on the other hand, was inspired by Phoenix’s somber performance. Given that the current Batman film does not feature the Joker and instead features practically every other key villain, it’s not unreasonable to believe Dafoe will get his wish sooner rather than later. Especially now that superhero universes and alternate timelines are increasingly colliding and merging. (For the most recent example, see “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”)
That is, assuming Dafoe’s schedule allows it. The four-time Academy Award winner recently starred in the films “Spider-Man,” “Nightmare Alley,” “The French Dispatch,” and “The Northman,” all of which were released in April. Dafoe will also host his first episode of “Saturday Night Live” on January 24 with musical guest Katy Perry.
“You prepare just to relax and get ready to engage, so when opportunities come you can receive them in a thoughtful way and really play,” Dafoe previously told IndieWire about his work ethic. “The size of the projects is varied. It feels very open. I love nothing more than the idea of having a lot of work ahead of me. Performing and making movies is still mysterious to me. Lately, I’ve been lucky that things have turned me on. The day that I stop engaging in people who are interested in working with me, I’ll have to reassess everything.”
