• Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket

Willem Dafoe reveals that he had early talks to play The Joker in Batman ’89

February 8, 2018 by Jordan Jones

Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film is regarded as one of the best comic book films ever made. While Christopher Nolan reached staggering heights with his Dark Knight Trilogy, plenty feel that the Gothic world that Burton created is far superior. Burton’s film still looks good today, and truly does feel like a comic-book brought to the screen.

However, aesthetics weren’t the only thing elevating the film to iconic status; Jack Nicholson’s Joker was unanimously praised at the time of the film’s release. Even in a post-Ledger world, many fans still prefer ole’ Jack as the Clown Prince of Crime. However, there were other actors considered too. One such actor was Willem Dafoe, and talking to THR, he briefly touched on that very topic of The Joker (via Cinema Blend):

“[Screenwriter Sam] Hamm said something about how physi­cally I would be perfect for the part, but they never offered it to me.”

Okay, so nothing profound, but it’s still cool to get a little more information about a near 30 year old film. Also, he is physically perfect for the part, and still isn’t too old to play the role by any means.

…You can find Jordan on Twitter, and Facebook.

Originally published February 8, 2018. Updated December 19, 2019.

Filed Under: Jordan Jones, Movies, News Tagged With: Batman, DC, Jack Nicholson, Tim Burton, Willem Dafoe

FMTV – Watch Our Latest Video Here

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Whatever Happened to the Horror Icon?

Ranking Bad E.T. Rip-Offs From Worst to Watchable

10 Must See Sci-Fi Movies from 1995

The Shining at 45: The Story Behind Stanley Kubrick’s Psychological Horror Masterpiece

The Essential 90s Action Movies

Classic Retro Video Games Based on 80s UK TV Game Shows

10 Crazy Cult Horror Movies You Need To See

10 Must-See Boxing Movies That Pack a Punch

Godzilla Minus One and the Essential Toho Godzilla Movies

The Films Quentin Tarantino Wrote But Didn’t Direct

WATCH OUR MOVIE NOW FOR FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

Top Stories:

10 Must-See Comedy Movies From 1995

Why the 80s and 90s Were the Most Enjoyable Era for Movies

Blu-ray Review – The Diabolical Dr. Z (1966)

10 Horror Movies Ripe for a Modern Remake

Movie Review – Black Phone 2 (2025)

Movie Review – After the Hunt (2025)

2025 BFI London Film Festival Review – Nouvelle Vague

10 Must-See Boxing Movies That Pack a Punch

2025 BFI London Film Festival Review – Blue Moon

90s Guilty Pleasure Thrillers So Bad They’re Actually Good

STREAM FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

FEATURED POSTS:

The Essential Cannon Films Scores

7 Great Body Switch Movies You Might Have Missed

Ranking The Police Academy Franchise From Worst to Best

Out for Vengeance: Ten Essential Revenge Movies

Our Partners

  • Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© Flickering Myth Limited. All rights reserved. The reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication of the content without permission is strictly prohibited. Movie titles, images, etc. are registered trademarks / copyright their respective rights holders. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you can read this, you don't need glasses.


 

Flickering MythLogo Header Menu
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles and Opinions
  • Write for Flickering Myth
  • About Flickering Myth
  • The Baby in the Basket