MCU’s Fan-Favorite Villain Sets Sights on Playing Joker in the DC Universe
Chukwudi Iwuji, the actor known for his villainous turn as High Evolutionary in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, has revealed his dream role: playing the Joker in the DC Universe.
In a recent interview with Daniel Merrifield, Iwuji shared his thoughts on how he would approach the iconic character.
Iwuji is no stranger to complex villains. As High Evolutionary in the 2023 Marvel film, he played a brilliant but morally twisted geneticist who experiments on living beings to create what he sees as “perfect” life forms.
His performance was widely praised for its intensity and depth, showing a character both cold and methodical while hiding deep layers of ambition and obsession. The role cemented Iwuji as a memorable figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and proved his ability to bring intelligence and menace to the screen.
Now, Iwuji is turning his attention to DC, expressing interest in stepping into the shoes of the permanently smiling criminal mastermind. He explained that his vision for the Joker would focus on the character’s inner pain and sadness.
“There has to be something maniacal about the Joker, right? But ‘maniacal’ has such a huge range. The part of Heath Ledger’s Joker that moved me most was when you realize that he keeps making up a story about his father each time. And when I asked myself, ‘Well, why would you do that?’ Again, that loneliness and that he’s covering up with this flamboyant thing, but he keeps making up a story about his father,” Iwuji said.
He also pointed to Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal, particularly the scene where the Joker dances on the steps, as inspiration.
“I think it comes from a guy that feels the need to make up a story about his father and that there’s a guy that wishes he could be dancing on the steps with water and not give a shit, but he has this mantle of being the Joker to play. So there’ll be a deep sadness in him. I just feel there’s so much richness about sadness with the Joker. And when you’re so laser-focused on your inner turmoil, the things you could do to other people without even it counting is very scary.”
Iwuji’s comments suggest he wants to ground the Joker emotionally while keeping the character’s trademark chaos and unpredictability. His approach promises a mix of psychological depth and theatrical flair, a combination that could make for a memorable DC villain.
Fans of Iwuji know he can deliver complex performances. As High Evolutionary, he balanced a scientific genius’s intelligence with a terrifying moral disregard, creating a villain who was both fascinating and frightening. His ability to portray layered antagonists makes his interest in the Joker all the more intriguing for DC fans.
Whether this casting will ever come to fruition is unknown, but Iwuji’s vision offers a fresh and thoughtful take on one of cinema’s most famous villains.
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