7 best actors who almost played Batman (and 2 who should have)

Heath Ledger

• Most Notable Roles: The Dark Knight, Brokeback Mountain, 10 Things I Hate About You, Monster’s Ball


• Awards: Won 1 Academy Award

The late Heath Ledger was an incredible talent whose career was only expected to keep getting bigger at the time of his death in 2008. His performance in The Dark Knight is without a doubt the best in any superhero movie or show, and it’ll live on as one of the most iconic in film history. Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy truly transcends the genre, and Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker is one of the biggest reasons why.

But before Ledger signed on to play the Joker in the 2008 movie, he was considered for the role of Batman. During an appearance at an event in 2012 (as reported by NME), Nolan recalled the time he approached the late actor about the part. However, Ledger was not interested in superhero movies at the time, with the director remembering: “He was quite gracious about it, but he said, ‘I would never take a part in a superhero film.’”

Ledger’s tune changed after watching Batman Begins, being so impressed that he went after the role of the Joker. And the rest is cinematic history. Ledger was one of a kind, and the movie industry took a serious blow when he passed.

Joaquin Phoenix

• Age: 48


• Most Notable Roles: Walk the Line, Her, The Master, Gladiator


• Awards: Won 1 Academy Award

Though Heath Ledger gave us the best portrayal of the Joker we’ll likely ever see on screen, Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as the DC villain is certainly a close second. The acclaimed actor took on the role in Todd Phillips’ 2019 movie and will reprise it in the upcoming sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, scheduled to hit theaters in Oct. 2024.

But before Phoenix became the Clown Prince of Crime, he could’ve played Batman in a since-scrapped Darren Aronofsky film. The Oscar-winning director was interviewed by in 2020 where he discussed the project, explaining that creative differences with the studio led to its downfall: “The studio wanted Freddie Prinze Jr. and I wanted Joaquin Phoenix. I remember thinking, ‘Uh oh, we’re making two different films here.’”

A superhero movie made by Aronofsky is definitely one I’d love to see, but I doubt it’ll be about Batman, if it ever happens.

Phoenix is one of the best working actors today, with his intensity and commitment to his roles really setting him apart from the rest. I always know he’s going to absolutely crush any part he takes on.