4. Charlie Tahan/David W. Thompson
Much like it did with many aspects of the Batman lore, Gotham took a rather unique approach in showcasing the origins of the Scarecrow. As Fox’s procedural series explores a pre-Batman Gotham City – as well as the origins of Commissioner Gordon and members of Batman’s rogues gallery – the Scarecrow is certainly included. Surprisingly though, so is his father.
The first season of the series introduces a young Jonathan Crane as well as his father, Gerald Crane, who is the one to first develop the famous fear toxin which he uses on Jonathan as a test subject. Gerald is then killed in a police raid, but young Jonathan suffers long-term effects from the fear toxin, which eventually turns him into the Scarecrow.
In the first season, teenage Jonathan is played by Charlie Tahan who captures the young Crane’s descent into fear and paranoia at the hands of his father. In the fourth season, he adopts the Scarecrow, embracing the full costume. At this point, the character is recast with David W. Thompson (as Tahan had joined the cast of Netflix’s Ozark), who continues to present fans with a young but menacing portrayal of the Scarecrow.