Bill Skarsgård’s Siren Call: Is the Joker Lurking in His Future?

In the world of cinematic villains, few names resonate like the Joker. Bill Skarsgård, known for transforming into iconic characters, imagines joining this infamous lineup could be “pretty sick.” With a diverse film palette that includes horror and comic genres, he eyes the Joker role with an expressive intrigue.

Skarsgård’s most memorable face is naturally that of Pennywise, the nightmare-inducing clown from Stephen King’s It. This chilling character captivated audiences in two films, as well as in an upcoming series spin-off. Skarsgård also recently embodied Count Orlok in Robert Eggers’ haunting Nosferatu remake, which has been drawing curious ticket holders to theaters nationwide.

Known for his work in the comic movie realm, Skarsgård appeared in Deadpool 2 and Eternals. Due in 2024, The Crow will further expand his comic book legacy. Skarsgård’s style and presence fuel his ambition to take on DC’s Clown Prince of Crime.

What Skarsgård Shares on His Aspirations

In a recent chat with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Skarsgård divulges a soft spot for Batman lore since childhood. Growing up, he was arguably more a “Batman kid” than anything else. Horowitz posed the killer question: Batman or Joker? Skarsgård’s response exhibited playful curiosity, “I think there’s a f—ing cool Joker in me, probably.”

Reflecting on iconic Joker portrayals, Skarsgård singles out Heath Ledger’s riveting performance in The Dark Knight as the pinnacle. He recounts how deeply Ledger’s role affected him, both artistically and personally. At the time, Ledger’s untimely death struck him hard, just as Skarsgård started his acting journey.

There are currently no announcements about who will next wear the Joker’s grin in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU. However, Andy Muschietti, Skarsgård’s It director, is set to lead The Brave and the Bold, possibly giving Skarsgård a unique opportunity. Whether or not the Joker will feature in this film remains unknown.

Barry Keoghan recently brought his own chaotic energy to the Joker in Matt Reeves’ ongoing Batman narrative. Meanwhile, Joaquin Phoenix is again becoming Arthur Fleck in 2024’s Joker: Folie à Deux. As the Joker’s tale continues to twist and turn, Skarsgård’s potential to stare into those laughing eyes remains a tantalizing prospect.