Joaquin Phoenix has revealed in an interview that he almost played the Joker in The Dark Knight, a revelation that could have changed superhero cinema notably. When The Dark Knight premiered in 2008, it was a groundbreaking moment for both DC movies and the whole of cinema. Central to the film’s success was Heath Ledger’s mesmerizing performance as the Joker, a role that won him an Oscar and solidified his portrayal as one of the most iconic villains in the DCU timeline. However, it’s fascinating to consider that another Joker actor was almost cast in this unforgettable role: Joaquin Phoenix. 4m6w4y

Heath Ledger's net worth was astonishing given his relatively short career. An iconic figure in Hollywood, Ledger is best ed for his profound and transformative performances in film. Born in Perth, Australia (via Biography), his breakout role came with the 1999 teen romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, which showcased his charm and acting prowess. However, it was his role as the enigmatic and influential Joker in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight that cemented his legacy. This performance earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best ing Actor, showcasing his unparalleled ability to embody complex characters.

WARNING: Potential Spoilers for Batman / Dylan Dog #1!Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight (2008) will forever be loved by fans. Although Ledger's time as the Joker has ended, fans will consistently notice echoes of his performance in all subsequent portrayals of the character, whether intentional or not. This includes moments in comics, such as a recent development in Joker lore that is incredibly reminiscent of one of Ledger's famous Joker lines.

Spoilers for DC's Harley Quinn Romances #1 by DC ComicsEven Harley Quinn is itting she knows Heath Ledger would make a great Joker. In an extremely meta moment from this week's DC Harley Quinn Romances #1 from DC Comics, Quinn makes a throwaway comment about the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, noting that one of the stars of the film, Heath Ledger, would have made a "great Joker" if they ever decided to make a film about Gotham City. The scene is a clear reference to the real-life casting of Ledger in The Dark Knight.

Actor Rufus Sewell has shared some old set photos of the late Heath Ledger from 2001's A Knight's Tale. The medieval action-comedy starred Ledger and Sewell, as well as Alan Tudyk, Shannyn Sossamon, Mark Addy, and Paul Bettany. Ledger played squire William Thatcher who fakes his identity as a knight in order to compete in a jousting contest and win the heart of a noblewoman. The film was a modest hit that showcased Ledger's natural charisma, leading to a number of notable roles in his short career, including Brokeback Mountain and The Dark Knight.

The Patriot director Roland Emmerich has revealed details about Heath Ledger’s smoking habit while shooting the film. Released in 2000, The Patriot's star-studded cast included actors like Mel Gibson, Jason Isaacs, Heath Ledger, and Adam Baldwin. It is further distinguished by being one of the few large-budget films about the American Revolution. The blockbuster hit was nominated for several Academy Awards and also contributed to elevating Ledger’s career.

A new variant cover revealed by a Marvel artist on Twitter features Doc Ock walking away from a scene with a similar air to Heath Ledger'sJoker in The DarkKnight (2008). Devil's Reign: Superior Four #1 will feature Spider-Man's foe on a journey through the multiverse. After catching a break thanks to Kingpin, Doc Ock is ready for his next big opportunity.

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Arkham City: The Order of the World #1!

The hero of the original Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy Will Turner may be one of Orlando Bloom’s most iconic roles, but who were the other actors considered for the role before Bloom secured the part? Released in the summer of 2003, The Ring helmer Gore Verbinski’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl soon became a huge hit with critics and audiences alike, spawning a quartet of sequels over the next decade and a half.

Christopher Nolan revolutionized the superhero genre with his The Dark Knight Trilogy. Dark, gritty, and realistic, Nolan's films rely on character-driven storytelling, seamless special effects, and provocative social commentary to retell the story of the Caped Crusader. 2008's The Dark Knight is the incredibly successful sequel to 2005's Batman Begins.