Top 15 Actors Who Could Bring the Joker to Life in the DC Universe

The DC Universe is getting a fresh start under James Gunn’s vision, and we’re buzzing with excitement about who might play the iconic Joker. Batman’s greatest foe, the Clown Prince of Crime, demands an actor who can capture his chaotic energy, twisted humor, and chilling menace.

This villain is no ordinary role—he’s a complex mix of madness and genius, making casting a thrilling challenge. Here’s our list of 15 actors we think could nail the Joker, each bringing something unique to Gotham’s darkest corner.

15. Jack Quaid

Jack Quaid, known for his role as Hughie in ‘The Boys’ (2019-2025), has a knack for playing charming yet layered characters. His ability to flip between likable and sinister, as seen in ‘Scream’ (2022), makes him a great pick for a younger, cunning Joker.

We can picture Quaid delivering sharp-witted one-liners with a smirk, blending youthful energy with the Joker’s dark edge. His versatility could craft a villain who’s both charismatic and deeply unsettling, perfect for a new DCU Batman rivalry.

14. Giovanni Ribisi

Giovanni Ribisi shines in roles that demand nervous intensity, like in ‘Boiler Room’ (2000) or ‘Sneaky Pete’ (2015-2019). His ability to play twitchy, cerebral characters makes him a dark horse for a unique Joker.

Imagine Ribisi as a quieter, more calculating Clown Prince, unsettling with subtle menace rather than loud chaos. His understated style could bring a fresh, coiled-spring-like tension to the DCU’s Gotham.

13. Jamie Campbell Bower

Jamie Campbell Bower’s gothic charm, seen in ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-2025) as Vecna, screams Joker potential. His intense screen presence could deliver a hauntingly theatrical villain.

We see Bower crafting a Joker who’s equal parts alluring and terrifying, treating every crime like a twisted performance. His ability to blend charisma with darkness would fit perfectly in a bold, artistic DCU vision.

12. Owen Teague

Owen Teague, who played a chilling bully in ‘It’ (2017), has the raw energy to portray a young, unhinged Joker. At 26, he’s ready to take on a rising criminal mastermind.

Teague’s knack for shifting from charming to cruel would suit a Joker just starting to wreak havoc in Gotham. His lead role in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ (2024) proves he can carry complex, intense characters.

11. David Howard Thornton

David Howard Thornton’s silent yet expressive turn as Art the Clown in ‘Terrifier’ (2016) shows he’s got Joker vibes. His theatrical style brings menace without words.

We envision Thornton leaning into physical comedy and horror, creating a nightmarish Clown Prince. His fan-favorite role in the fan series ‘Nightwing: Escalation’ already hints at his ability to channel a classic, comic-book Joker.

10. Cameron Monaghan

Cameron Monaghan’s dual roles as Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska in ‘Gotham’ (2014-2019) make him a natural fit. His range, from wild anarchy to calm calculation, is perfect for the Joker.

Monaghan could bring a layered performance, blending manic energy with chilling depth. His familiarity with Gotham’s world gives him an edge to deliver a standout villain in the DCU.

9. Bill Skarsgård

Bill Skarsgård terrified us as Pennywise in ‘It’ (2017). His ability to embody a creepy clown makes him an obvious yet exciting choice for the Joker.

Skarsgård’s knack for shifting from playful to psychotic, as seen in ‘Nosferatu’ (2024), could create a Joker who feels timeless yet fresh. His expressive face and eerie laugh would haunt Gotham’s streets.

8. Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe’s sinister smile, iconic in ‘Spider-Man’ (2002), has long been linked to the Joker. His ability to unravel onscreen, like in ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019), is pure chaos.

We see Dafoe as an older, seasoned Joker, a long-standing foe to a grizzled Batman. His gravitas and unpredictable energy would make every scene electric.

7. Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage’s wild, theatrical style, seen in ‘Mandy’ (2018), screams Joker potential. His campy creepiness in ‘Renfield’ (2023) shows he can balance humor and horror.

Imagine Cage as a surreal Joker, quoting oddball philosophy one moment and burning down Gotham the next. His larger-than-life presence would fit Gunn’s bold DCU vision.

6. David Dastmalchian

David Dastmalchian, a DCU veteran from ‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021) as Polka-Dot Man, has the flexibility to tackle the Joker. His ability to play quirky, intense roles is a great match.

We picture Dastmalchian bringing a unique, offbeat energy to the Clown Prince, with a voice that could echo the character’s comic-book roots. His talent would elevate the role to new heights.

5. Alan Tudyk

Alan Tudyk’s playful yet dark performance as the Joker in ‘Harley Quinn’ (2019-2025) shows he’s got the chops. His comedic timing and dramatic range are spot-on.

Tudyk could deliver a Joker who’s both hilarious and terrifying, a perfect fit for a DCU that balances dark tones with colorful chaos. His animated work proves he’s ready for live-action.

4. Anthony Ingruber

Anthony Ingruber’s work as the Joker in the game ‘Batman: The Enemy Within’ (2017) blends elements of classic portrayals while adding pathos. His ability to make players care about the character is unique.

We see Ingruber crafting a Joker who’s emotionally complex yet true to his villainous core. His fresh take could resonate deeply in the DCU’s cinematic Gotham.

3. John DiMaggio

John DiMaggio, known for ‘Futurama’ (1999-2025), voiced the Joker in ‘Batman: Under the Red Hood’ (2010). His ability to homage past portrayals while making the role his own is impressive.

DiMaggio’s gravelly voice and commanding presence could bring a larger-than-life Joker to the DCU. His experience with iconic characters makes him a strong contender.

2. Barry Keoghan

Barry Keoghan teased a chilling Joker in ‘The Batman’ (2022). His brief appearance showed a Ledger-inspired edge that left us wanting more.

Keoghan’s ability to play unhinged, magnetic characters, like in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (2022), makes him a top pick. He could deliver a Joker who’s both terrifying and impossible to look away from.

1. Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill, the voice of the Joker in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992-1995), is a legend in the role. His blend of humor, menace, and madness is iconic.

Hamill could bring his classic take to live-action, giving the DCU a Joker who feels straight out of the comics. His decades-long mastery of the character makes him the ultimate choice.

Which actor do you think would steal the show as the DCU’s Joker, or is there someone we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!