Jared Leto's Joker in Suicide Squad drew lukewarm reviews, and he claimed he was 'tricked' into the role. With Leto absent from the 2021 film The Suicide Squad, the DCEU seems to be distancing itself from his portrayal. If the role is recast, who could play the Clown Prince of Crime? The new actor must bring a 'hip' take to the classic villain, making it believable that Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn shares a fiery romance with him. They must also have the range to play dangerously unhinged, shifting from calm to manic in an instant. Some suggest Matthew McConaughey could be a great Joker, given his charisma and versatility. Here's a list of fantasy Joker actors - vote up the ones you think could save the character for future DC films.
About this list
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Willem DafoeMoviesWillem Dafoe acted for over forty years, showing great range and dedication. He was born July 22, 1955, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dafoe moved from a small town to the world stage. He studied drama at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee but left before graduating to join the avant-garde group, Theatre X. Dafoe's breakthrough hit in 1982 with the film The Loveless. He played a motorcycle gang leader, earning critical praise and opening doors for a series.
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Iwan RheonMoviesIwan Rheon was born in Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, Wales. His family moved to Cardiff around age five. At seventeen, Rheon started acting in school productions. He then studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. At seventeen, Rheon got cast in the Welsh language soap opera "Pobol Y Cwn" (BBC Wales 1974-). Rheon played Macsen White. He left the show for a time to focus on his studies. Rheon got his first notable stage role in 2008 in "Eight Miles High".
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Cameron MonaghanMoviesHe played Jerome Valeska, who seemed inspired by The Joker on Gotham.Gotham.
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Johnny DeppMoviesJohnny Depp, born John Christopher Depp II in Owensboro, Kentucky, is a famous American actor known for his range and ability to fully enter his characters. His unique acting style made him one of Hollywood's most popular stars. His early life involved many moves until his family settled in Miramar, Florida. After dropping out of high school to play music with The Kids, Depp started acting. His breakthrough came from the television series 21 Jump Street where he played
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Jim CarreyMoviesJim Carrey already playedthe Batman villainThe Riddler in 1995's Batman ForeverBatman Forever.
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Giovanni RibisiMoviesGiovanni Ribisi was born December 17, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. Ribisi is an American actor who established his name in Hollywood. His family was in the entertainment business; his mother manages talent and his father plays music. Ribisi started in television as a child artist, appearing in the hit sitcom My Two Dads and The Wonder Years. His performance as Frank, Jr., Phoebe Buffay's eccentric brother in the acclaimed series Friends, earned him mainstrea
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Joseph GilgunMoviesJoseph Gilgun wanted to act from a young age. The British actor began acting workshops as a teen. This led to his first TV role at age 10 on "Coronation Street" (ITV 1960- ). Gilgun left after three years. For almost ten years, he did not pursue acting, except for some stage roles. Instead, he chose fashion design. He studied it briefly at Runshaw College but dropped out. Gilgun worked as a plasterer. He landed some roles in the mid-2000s. He starred in the
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David TennantMoviesDavid John Tennant, born April 18, 1971, is a Scottish actor. He plays the tenth Doctor in the BBC series Doctor Who (2005–2010). He also played Giacomo Casanova in the BBC comedy-drama Casanova (2005). Tennant played Barty Crouch, Jr in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). He appeared as DI Alec Hardy in the ITV drama Broadchurch (2013–2017) and Kilgrave in the Netflix series Jessica Jones (2015–2019). He also voiced characters and acted in theatre, including playing Prince Hamlet in a 2008 production.
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Crispin GloverMoviesCrispin Glover has carved a unique place in Hollywood with his odd acting style and varied roles. Born April 20, 1964, in New York City, he grew up in Los Angeles' glamour as the son of actor Bruce Glover and dancer/actress Betty Glover. Crispin showed an interest in the performing arts early. This led him to study drama at The Mirman School and later Beverly Hills High School. Glover started his acting career on television, appearing in popular shows in the late 70s and early 80s. His major role came as George McFly in t
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Evan PetersMoviesEvan Peters avoided roles for young stars. Instead, he played rebels and outcasts surviving outside social norms. Peters started his acting career with smaller roles. These included the best friend of the title character on the Disney Channel sci-fi series "Phil of the Future" (2004-06) and a skateboarder in the comedy "Sleepover" (2004). Peters began taking on deeper characters in films like "Never Back Down" (2008), about teens in underground martial arts matches. His career-defining turn was
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Dan StevensMoviesDan Stevens is an English actor known for playing Matthew Crawley in the series "Downton Abbey" (PBS, 2010-15). Born October 10, 1982, he was an adopted child raised in Wales and southern England. Stevens admitted being rebellious in his youth, but his bad behavior was offset by his sharp school performance. His first year at Tonbridge School saw him try out for and land the lead role in a "Macbeth" production. Stevens channeled his youthful aggression into acting.
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Rami MalekMoviesRami Malek gained attention in Hollywood with his Emmy-winning role as Elliot Alderson in *Mr. Robot*. Malek was born May 12, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, to Egyptian immigrant parents. Malek did not become famous instantly. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Evansville in Indiana. Before his big break, Malek took supporting roles in TV and film. His performance as the socially awkward hacker in *Mr. Robot* earned him recognition.
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Dave AnnableMoviesDave Annable found success in a highly-touted drama with a respected ensemble cast after facing disappointments from unaired pilots and failed TV shows. Annable walked the New York theater scene and got commercial work. The actor made his network TV debut in a 2002 guest spot on the police drama "Third Watch" (NBC, 1999-2005). A small role in the Brittany Murphy romantic drama "Little Black Book" (2004) came before he was cast in the ensemble mystery "Reunion" (Fox, 2005-06). That show ran for
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Chris MarquetteMoviesChris Marquette started acting at age eight. He played Mira Sorvino's son in the 1995 drama *Sweet Nothing*. Marquette appeared in many TV shows and films since then. As a child, he made guest appearances in the crime drama *Law and Order*, the medical drama *ER*, and the legal drama *Judging Amy*. He moved to adult roles with the 2003 horror sequel *Freddy vs. Jason*. Marquette played Adam Rove in the short-lived CBS family drama *Joan of Arcadia* and appeared on the Lifetime medical drama *Strong Medici* at the same time.
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Troy BakerMoviesTroy Baker appeared in *Iron Lung*, *The Phoenix Incident*, and *Marvel's Avengers Assemble*.
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James FrancoMoviesJames Franco was born April 19, 1978, in Palo Alto, California. Franco began his acting career at the Playhouse West acting school in Los Angeles. Franco dropped out of UCLA to focus on acting full-time, despite his parents' initial disapproval. Franco later got his big role as Daniel Desario in the cult series *Freaks and Geeks*. Franco's career mixes commercial and independent projects, showing his commitment to both mainstream appeal and artistic quality.
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Walton GogginsMoviesWalton Goggins is an intense method actor. He spent years playing good-natured Southerners in supporting roles. Goggins first gained attention playing the corrupt, erratic Detective Shane Vendrell in "The Shield" (FX, 2002-08). Before "The Shield," Goggins logged many guest spots on TV. He landed his first major film role opposite Robert Duvall in "The Apostle" (1997). In 2001, Goggins won an Academy Award as a producer for the short film "The Accountant," which he made with actors R
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Jake GyllenhaalMoviesJake Gyllenhaal was born December 19, 1980, in Los Angeles, California. He is an acclaimed American actor known for deep performances and changing roles. Jake is the son of director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner. Jake started his film career at age 11 with a small part in City Slickers. His breakthrough came in the 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko. His portrayal of a troubled teenager earned him critical acclaim.
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Rhys WakefieldMoviesRhys Wakefield appeared in "The Purge," "The Black Balloon," and "After the Dark."
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Adrien BrodyMoviesAdrien Brody is known for changing roles and a strong spirit. Adrien Brody was born April 14, 1973, in New York City. His parents, a photographer and a teacher, fostered his creativity. Brody started acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. He made his film debut in the industry after honing his skills. Brody's career took off when he starred in the acclaimed movie The Pianist (2002). He played Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist struggling for s
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Gustaf SkarsgårdMoviesGustaf Skarsgård grew up in a European acting family. His father was famous Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård. His godfather was Hollywood actor Peter Stormare. Three of his five siblings, including his older brother Alexander, known for his role in "True Blood," were also actors. Gustaf made his film debut in a small role in a movie starring his father in 1989. Gustaf moved to bigger parts on Swedish TV as soon as he entered his teens. By 2002, his talent allowed him to get the lead role in the successful Swedish supernatural drama "The Invi
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Sam RockwellMoviesSam Rockwell, an Academy Award winner, earned acclaim for roles in "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" (2002), "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" (2017), and "Vice" (2018). Rockwell was born in Daly City, California. He grew up mostly in San Francisco. His parents, both struggling actors, divorced when he was five. As a boy, Sam spent summers in New York with his mother and lived with his father in California during school. While in high school in San Francisco, Rockwell got a small part in an independent film.
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Noel FisherMoviesNoel Fisher is a pale, often brooding young actor with heavy-lidded eyes. Fisher moved from playing normal teenagers to intense portrayals of misanthropic teen outcasts and later, dangerously passionate or intensely pensive professionals. He first gained fans as Toad, the voice of the mischievous mutant neophyte on the animated superhero film "X-Men: Evolution." He started appearing on screen as sneering bullies and insolent, pimple-faced trash-talkers in comedies like the after-school revenge satire "Max Keeble's Big Move" (2001). After a dark...
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Andrew ScottMoviesAndrew Scott became best known as the villain Moriarty in the hit series "Sherlock" (BBC, 2010-). Andrew Scott was hard to cast. Scott was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1976. He started attending Saturday theater classes as a child. By his late teens, acting became Andrew Scott's main interest. After studying drama at Trinity College for six months, he dropped out to join Dublin's Abbey Theatre. He later acted in film, making his debut in the independent film "Korea" (1995) and taking a small role in the war epic "Saving Private Ryan" (1998). However, the stag...
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Paul BettanyMoviesPaul Bettany is an actor born in London's Harlesden district who has made major contributions to cinema. Bettany came from a family of entertainers; his father was a successful actor and his mother was a singer. Bettany faced a tough childhood, including losing his younger brother, but he used this struggle to fuel his acting passion. He started his journey at the Drama Centre in London, where he built his skills, setting the stage for a career spanning continents. Bettany's acting skill first appeared in...
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Adam DriverMoviesAdam Driver's path from a small town to an acclaimed Hollywood actor is inspiring. Adam Driver was born in San Diego, California, on November 19, 1983. He grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana, a town whose simplicity and charm shaped his acting style. Before starting his acting career, Driver served in the United States Marine Corps for almost three years. This experience deeply shaped his personality and view of the world. Driver's acting career took off after he graduated from the Juilliard School, a top arts conservatory in N
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Frank DillaneMoviesBritish actor Frank Dillane gained fame in 2015 after appearing in Ron Howard's drama "In the Heart of the Sea." Dillane was born in London and grew up in East Sussex. His mother ran a theater company, and his father, Stephen Dillane, acted in TV and movies. Growing up around acting, Dillane aimed to follow his father's path. Dillane made his film debut at age 6 in the war movie "Welcome to Sarajevo" (1997), and he played Tom Riddle in 2009's "Harr".
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Dylan O'BrienMoviesDylan O'Brien is an acting figure known for captivating performances in film and television. Born in New York City in 1991, O'Brien's spotlight began unexpectedly. He first wanted to be a sports broadcaster and started producing, directing, and starring in his own YouTube short films. Talent caught a local producer's eye, leading to his acting debut in 2011 as Stiles Stilins.
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Joseph Gordon-LevittMoviesJoseph Gordon-Levitt, an American actor, filmmaker, and singer, became a respected Hollywood figure after a childhood acting career. Gordon-Levitt was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1981. His early acting included television roles like 3rd Rock from the Sun and films such as 10 Things I Hate About You. Gordon-Levitt showed his range in the mid-2000s by taking on difficult roles that went against Hollywood stereotypes.
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Jamie BellMoviesAndrew James Matfin Bell, born March 14, 1986, is an English actor and dancer. Bell gained prominence with his debut role in Billy Elliot (2000), earning the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He appeared in King Kong (2005), Jumper (2008), The Adventures of Tintin (2011), Snowpiercer (2013), Fantastic Four (2015), and Rocketman (2019). Bell also starred as Abraham Woodhull in the television series Turn: Washington's Spies (2014).
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Hugh DancyMoviesHugh Dancy, a British actor with talent and versatility, has a strong film, television, and theater career. Dancy was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England. He attended Winchester College and then Oxford University, studying English Literature. Dancy began his professional acting career after his time at Oxford. His early work includes notable roles, such as his portrayal of David Copperfield in the BBC's adaptation.
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Alfie AllenMoviesAlfie Evan Allen was born September 12, 1986, in Hammersmith, London, U.K., into a family with a strong entertainment background. His father, Keith Allen, worked as a comedian, screenwriter, and actor. His mother, Alison Owen, was a movie producer. His uncle, Kevin Allen, acted and directed films and television. Alfie's older sister, Lily Allen, had a successful recording career. Alfie followed the family business, getting his first featured role at age 12 opposite his father in the Channel 4 short film "You Are Here." He finished his secondary education.
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Toby KebbellMoviesBy age 30, British actor Toby Kebbell was compared to Robert De Niro. He showed intense energy and sharp intelligence, marking him as a rising star. A poor childhood sharpened his rough Northern edges. A time at the Central Television Workshop gave him focus and discipline. This led him to a debut role on the ITV medical drama "Peak Practice" (1993-2002). His next role, playing a mentally disabled youth in "Dead Man's Shoes" (2004), caught the attention of critics and audiences. Shane Meadows directed the brutal revenge film.
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Colin CunninghamMoviesColin Alexander Cunningham, born in 1966, is an American television and film actor. Cunningham is known for playing John Pope in the TNT science fiction series Falling Skies and Major Paul Davis on Stargate SG-1.
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Aaron PaulMoviesAaron Paul became famous as Jesse Pinkman, the young drug dealer partner of Bryan Cranston's Walter White, in "Breaking Bad" (AMC, 2008-13). He maintained his presence after that show. Born in Emmett, Idaho, he moved to Los Angeles after high school graduation. Paul started as a model, appearing in commercials and music videos. He moved into acting with small parts in shows like "Beverly Hills 90210" (Fox, 1990-2000), "Melrose Place" (Fox, 1992-99), and "3rd Rock from the Sun" (NBC, 1996-2001). He added film work with a role opposite James Franco and Sharlto Copley.
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Sharlto CopleyMoviesSouth African writer, producer, and director Sharlto Copley became an international sensation after his first camera performance, earning him the title of "actor." Copley played Wikus Van De Merwe in the Oscar-nominated sci-fi film "District 9" (2009) with a settled skill. Few knew this was his first movie; most of his dialogue was improvised. Before "District 9," Copley built film experience by starting his own Cape Town-based production company.
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Thomas MiddleditchMoviesThomas Middleditch honed his acting and comedic timing while growing up in Nelson, British Columbia. He performed stand-up by high school and moved to Chicago after graduation to perform at the Second City stage. Middleditch appeared on Second City's iO stage and co-founded The Improvised Shakespeare Company before moving to New York City. His first leading film role was in the Canadian romantic comedy "Splinterheads" (2009).
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Casey AffleckMoviesCasey Affleck, born Caleb Casey McGuire Affleck-Boldt in 1975, is an American actor and director. He gained recognition for his acting skills and unique artistic vision. Casey Affleck grew up in Falmouth, Massachusetts, with parents Timothy Byers Affleck and Chris Anne Boldt, who were theater professionals. He lived with his older brother, Ben Affleck. This early theater exposure fueled his acting career in Hollywood. Affleck began his acting career with minor roles in television.
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Sean HarrisMoviesSean Harris is an English actor and writer. He played Solomon Lane in the films Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). Harris won a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor for his role in the miniseries Southcliffe (2013). He also earned three consecutive BIFA Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.
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Neil Patrick HarrisMoviesNeil Patrick Harris was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 15, 1973. Harris showed an interest in acting early on, attending La Cueva High School, known for its strong performing arts program. This early theater and film exposure launched his entertainment career. Harris got his start when he played the teenage doctor, Doogie Howser, in the television series Doogie Howser, M.D., which ran from 1989 to 1993.
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Ryan GoslingMoviesRyan Gosling, a Canadian actor and musician, became a top Hollywood talent. Born November 12, 1980, in London, Ontario, he grew up Mormon in Cornwall. He showed his talent early. Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club accepted him at age 12, launching his acting career. Gosling broke through in 2001 with the movie The Believer, where he played a Jewish neo-Nazi. Critics praised his performance; he won the Best Actor award at the Moscow International Film.
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Matthew McConaugheyMoviesMatthew McConaughey, an American actor and producer, gained film fame with his role in Richard Linklater's comedy Dazed and Confused in 1993. He grew up in Uvalde, Texas. McConaughey earned a degree in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas before acting. McConaughey showed many acting skills across genres, moving from romantic comedies to intense dramas. Early on, McConaughey acted in romantic comedies like The
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Russell BrandMoviesRussell Brand is a major entertainment figure, working as an actor, comedian, and author. Brand was born in Grays, Essex, England, in 1975. Brand's path to fame faced hurdles. Despite his parents' divorce and substance abuse issues, Brand found comfort in performance arts. Brand started with stand-up comedy, which led to his success in television and film. His breakthrough came as an MTV host, where he quickly gained attention for his eccentric
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Daniel RadcliffeMoviesDaniel Radcliffe is known for the Harry Potter world. This British actor began acting at age ten. Born July 23, 1989, in London, England, Radcliffe became famous when cast as the lead in J.K. Rowling's series. Radcliffe's acting as the boy wizard made him an international star. This role showed his skill in giving complex characters real feeling and depth. Radcliffe's early career centered on the Harry Potter series, but his acting range goes beyond that.
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