DC's Batman Reboot Director Makes The Best Joker Casting Rumor More Likely

Summary

Director Andy Muschietti’s involvement in “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” supports the rumor that Bill Skarsgård could be cast as the Joker, thanks to their previous working relationship in “IT.”
Skarsgård’s experience playing villains, his popularity as an actor, and his suitable age make him a great choice for the Joker in the DC Universe.
While it’s still early for casting to begin and nothing has been confirmed, it’s likely that the Joker will make an appearance in the new DCU, although he may not be the primary villain in “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.” Other characters like Damian Wayne’s family members may take precedence over the Joker in the film.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold’s confirmed director supports one of the best Joker casting rumors. Set to feature a brand-new Batman whose son Damian will join his crusade as a new Robin, there haven’t been very many details about the upcoming DCU movie, let alone who the villain might be. However, that hasn’t stopped rumors regarding DC’s infamous Clown Prince of Crime.

It’s recently been confirmed that The Flash’s Andy Muschietti will be directing Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Having most notably directed both chapters of IT, Muschietti will likely be able to provide an adequate amount of darkness and suspense for both Gotham City and its Caped Crusader. However, Muschietti’s previous directing career also supports one of the most exciting casting rumors regarding the Joker, Batman’s arch-nemesis and one of Gotham’s most frightening figures.

Andy Muschietti Directing The Brave And The Bold Makes Bill Skarsgård’s Joker More Likely

Naturally, the confirmation that Andy Muschietti will be directing Batman: The Brave and the Bold has further motivated rumors that actor Bill Skarsgård could be up to play the Joker. Having played Pennywise the Clown in both chapters of IT, Skarsgård has previous experience playing a villanous and terrifying clown hence the initial rumors for the Joker. Now, Muschietti directing the next Batman film has certainly made a Joker casting for Skarsgård far more likely.

Bill Skarsgård has been quite a popular fancast for a while ever since playing Pennywise. Likewise, Skarsgård’s growing popularity as an actor combined with the fact that he’s already played a deranged clown for the next Batman director has to at least put him on Muschietti’s radar. While Batman: Brave and the Bold is likely still in the very earliest development stages, Muschietti and Skarsgård’s previous working relationship is certainly a key advantage worthy of consideration.

Why Bill Skarsgård Is A Great Choice For The DC Universe’s Joker

Bill Skarsgård has plenty of experience playing villains, even beyond playing Pennywise in Muschietti’s IT duology. He also seems to be in that sweet spot between being proven and established enough to handle such an iconic role while not being so overwhelmingly popular that his presence would dominate the movie or the Joker role itself. Skarsgård is also at the right age where he could continue playing the Clown Prince of Crime for years when and if the new Batman franchise within the connected DCU grows and expands beyond The Brave and the Bold over time.

The dedication to his various roles is also a benefit that would help make Skarsgård a compelling and intimidating Joker. Whether it’s the unhinged terror of Pennywise or the barely contained rage beneath the forced calm of the Marquis as seen in John Wick 4, it’s clear that Skarsgård throws himself into his characters. That does seem to be a prerequisite for any actor chosen to take on a role as villainous and iconic as the Joker’s. It’s also worth noting that Skarsgård very much looks the part, having the right build and face perfect for green hair, red lips, and white makeup.

Will The Joker Be In Batman: The Brave And The Bold?

Again, nothing has been confirmed and it’s still quite early for casting to begin for Batman: The Brave and the Bold. That being said, it’s almost a guarantee that the Joker will be in the rebooted DCU at some point even if he isn’t right away in the new universe envisioned by DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. To that end, it’s unlikely that the Joker would be the primary villain in Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

Damian Wayne as Batman’s new Robin has been confirmed as a key focus for the upcoming movie. As such, villains like Damian’s grandfather R’as al Ghul and mother Talia arguably make more sense. After all, Damian’s darker origins will likely need to be explored before he joins his father in his Gotham crusade.

Additionally, Joker 2 is still set for release starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role while Barry Keoghan’s Joker stands to potentially have an increased role with The Batman trilogy from director Matt Reeves. As a result, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if Andy Muschietti decides to avoid Joker completely in an effort to avoid over saturation of the character. Nevertheless, if a version of Joker does end up being featured in Muschietti’s Batman: The Brave and the Bold, it seems like a no-brainer for Bill Skarsgård to be cast in the iconic DC role.