Robin Williams wants The Joker role!

[SolidRoar]

Robin Williams as The Joker?
Posted by Clint Morris on April 11, 2006


http://www.moviehole.net/img/jokerrobin.jpgRobin Williams might be throwing his playing card in the direction of the Wayne manor.
In an interview with Latino Review (http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=477), the funnyman said he’s very keen to work with Director Chris Nolan again – whom he worked with on the indifferent “Insomnia”, a couple of years back – and would even be keen to don the face paint of the Joker for Nolan’s “Batman Begins” sequel, should an opportunity arise.
Williams, whose actually about to start working on Warner’s “Licence to Wed” (so he might actually have a chance to pop his head in and let Al Horn know he’s keen), was quite fervent when asked whether he’d be interested in playing the clown prince of crime. “Oh God Yeah!” the actor responds.
Funnily enough, Williams was considered for the role of The Joker for the first (Tim Burton-directed) “Batman” movie, but he was pipped at the post by the arguably more bankable Jack Nicholson. A few years later, it’s believed he also met with Warners to discuss perhaps playing the role of The Riddler in “Batman Forever”. Again, Jim Carrey was the bigger drawcard at the time, so it didn’t happen.
I like the idea of a Williams’ Joker. Having seen his adaptability of the years – especially his maniacal performance in “Insomnia” – I think he’d be in with a good shot.

Source: http://www.moviehole.net/news/20060411_robin_williams_as_the_joker.html

[deathshead2]

No maybe 15 years ago but know no he is to old we need a young joker.

[The Only Woj]

I think they should let 10 different actors play the Joker, and just have 10 different Batman sequels. I'd love to see one with Williams ... but I like Bettany too ... and Hulme is an interesting choice ... Crispin Glover could be great under certain circumstances ..... I say, let them all do it.

[Super_Ludacris]

More fuel to the fire of the rumour mil. I dont know really. He could pull it off but he would not be the first person in mind when selecting for me

[bgshw44]

he would be great

[Milkman95]

I wouldn't mind him getting the role, he'd be good.

I really don't have an issue with his age either..............

[7alex]

Oh HELL NO! His oportunity already passed twice, and he would not make a good joker. I think he would kill it, but who knows.

[raybia]

Sorry, I don't think he was Joker Material in his prime. Riddler? yes.

His time has passed for a Batman movie. I wish him well.

[Milkman95]

He's a good actor, and certainly could pull it off. If he doesn't get this, I'd like to see Nolan cast him as the Riddler in the third film...............

[Brian2887]

He's a little old, but that doesn't bother me. He played an excellent villain under Nolan in Insomnia, and he's got the chops to bring Joker to life.

I wouldn't mind Robin Williams at all...

[ShadowBoxing]

I'm sure you'd love to you hairy, aging comedian....however luckily you aren't...you're a good actor, but no

[Super_Ludacris]

Dude I dont think he posts here unless you were talking to yourself nude in the mirror saying that lol j/k

[Prognosticator]

This isn't worth the argument, he should stay the hell away from that franchise. (death to smoochie) ...I'm not too worried, though chris nolan did pull a fantastic performance out of him in Insomnia!

[Super_Ludacris]

In his defense Robin Williams has PLENTY of fantastic performances both comedic and non comedic

[ToddIsDead]

The only problem that I have is his age. He can play a really good villian/psycho(See: Insomnia and One Hour Photo).

[tamron]

I always saw Robin Williams as a better choice for Ridder than Joker. Stick with the current contenders for Joker.

[Prognosticator]

In his defense Robin Williams has PLENTY of fantastic performances both comedic and non comedic

I don't dispute this, in fact I heartily agree. BUT, we've seen him onscreen soooo many times, it would never feel fresh in a Batman movie. He's done too much to bring good one of these characters; joker, riddler, etc.

It's the "superstar" principle, and its a hard thing to counter! For me, every time I see a new Tom Cruise movie, it gets harder and harder to believe he's actually "that" character. He's acting like "tom cruise" most of the time, its not character acting.

I feel the same can be said for Harrison Ford (in anything other than Star Wars, Indiana Jones), Michael Douglas, Bruce Willis (now), and Robin Williams as well.

On the other hand, superhero movies are ALL ABOUT character actors. And with superhero genre movies, the CHARACTER is "supposed" to be more important than the actor. That's why Bryan Singer chooses barely knowns for his movies. And look what happens, Hugh Jackman...Possibly Superman...this dynamic works.

Its the same reason so many critics said Jack Nicholson was playing "Jack Nicholson being the Joker". Because he is/was already such an icon, its difficult to seperate the two. For THAT reason alone, I don't think it's wise to put someone I'm TOO familiar with in a movie that I take way too seriously for my age (like Batman Begins).

[AdmNelson]

The only problem that I have is his age. He can play a really good villian/psycho(See: Insomnia and One Hour Photo).

I agree; he can be a very good actor in serious/dramatic roles.

But someone (don't remember who) nailed the issue of the Joker, and why a comedian shouldn't play him -- he's NOT FUNNY. You should never laugh WITH him, and you shouldn't even laugh AT him all that much, unless it's nervous laughter about how completely crazy he is.

The Joker's only funny to himself. Consequently, it would be great to cast someone who NEVER makes you think of comedy outside of the role; you should only laugh at the character if he does something that's actually wacky, but you should be scared of him at the same time.

Finally, I don't know where this clamoring for Lachy Hulme is coming from; the only thing I know him from is a small role in the "Matrix" films, and to me, he's a cipher. I think Paul Bettany is a much better choice for the role (and I think his star is going to skyrocket when "The DaVinci Code" comes out.)

Or, dare I say it, Crispin Glover would be scary as hell, darkly funny if necessary, and is physically imposing enough to be able to deal with Bale. He's also a genuinely good actor, so...

-- Admiral Nelson

[Two-Face]

He's good actor but Williams as Joker? no he's too old.

[Ronny Shade]

No doubt Williams has what it takes to play the part, but 1) Too old 2) wrong physique 3) Danger of invoking nicholsonish thoughts

[Two-Face]

I like to see Robin Williams in a Batman movie Scarface perhaps?

[Ronny Shade]

Robin Williams pwns

[Prognosticator]

I like to see Robin Williams in a Batman movie Scarface perhaps?

You know what, something like that might do it justice. But he'd HAVE to play it completely psychotic! Not playing the ventriliquist bit for laughs (not ONE time!) ...He'd need to summon the darkness he brought to One Hour Photo...but then there's the comparison again:(

[Two-Face]

I doubt he would do Scarface cos he wants Joker role.

[CConn]

You know what, something like that might do it justice. But he'd HAVE to play it completely psychotic! Not playing the ventriliquist bit for laughs (not ONE time!) ...He'd need to summon the darkness he brought to One Hour Photo...but then there's the comparison again:(What actor doesn't get comparisons? You last point made sense, this one...it's like saying Bale couldn't be Batman because he was in American Psycho and Equilibrium.

[Ronny Shade]

Robin williams is good at dramatic stuff. He'd not be out of place in a Batman film. I'd love to see him.

[StorminNorman]

The Ventriloquest would be the only role I would want to see Robin Williams play now, even though 15-20 years ago he would of been PERFECT...damn you time! Damn you!

[Prognosticator]

What actor doesn't get comparisons? You last point made sense, this one...it's like saying Bale couldn't be Batman because he was in American Psycho and Equilibrium.

No, you're comparing a handgun to a tank. American Psycho is a cult favorite that made less than $10 million at the BO. Equilibrium went straight to video/DVD for that matter. Christian Bale had a small resume and counting while Robin Williams has a billion of dollars worth of tickets sold;GoodWillHunting,PatchAdams,Hook,Mrs.Doubtfire ,Insomnia,Robots,Aladin,TheBirdcage,Flubber,Jumanj i, and so onandsoon...

[Ronny Shade]

Bale gets to be the Tank

[DV8]

I do agree that he's a good actor; both comedic and serious, but he would have fit better as Nicholson's Joker the first time around . . . not this time; way too old, and too dam zany! I think he would try to make The Joker way too zany . . . and he's too old, and too dam zany! Furthermore, he's too old!!



































and zany, definitely way too zany!

[Ronny Shade]

They should use Tim Drake as a time share

[Prognosticator]

Robin Williams couldn't hold a candle to Jack Nicholson anyhow!

[Ronny Shade]

Robin Williams couldn't hold a candle to Jack Nicholson anyhow!
I disagree.

[trustyside-kick]

Maybe when he was younger...but now Williams would be too old for the role.

[Boom]

Maybe when he was younger...but now Williams would be too old for the role.
Unless Nolan chooses to do a older Joker.

[Eddie Dean]

I could see Williams as Calendar Man or The Ventriloquist, but not Joker.

[CConn]

No, you're comparing a handgun to a tank. American Psycho is a cult favorite that made less than $10 million at the BO. Equilibrium went straight to video/DVD for that matter. Christian Bale had a small resume and counting while Robin Williams has a billion of dollars worth of tickets sold;GoodWillHunting,PatchAdams,Hook,Mrs.Doubtfire ,Insomnia,Robots,Aladin,TheBirdcage,Flubber,Jumanj i, and so onandsoon...No, you pretended a handgun was a tank. You brought up One Hour Photo - barely even a cult favorite - in relation to Williams' ability to play a part in Batman, that's when I said you were getting silly.

[Shawn Wayne]

Robin Williams as the joker? How would this keep the tone that has been set by Begins? I like him, but no likie for the joker

[CConn]

Robin Williams as the joker? How would this keep the tone that has been set by Begins? I like him, but no likie for the jokerWhile you're probably right Williams would play a rather over the top Joker, he is capable of doing something else; he certainly didn't ruin the mood of Insomnia or any of his other serious films.

[Mr. Socko]

Calander Man, Ventriloques, maybe even The Riddler, but not The Joker. He's way too old, back in '89 he would have been a great choice along with Nicholson. But having Robin Williams as The Joker would be about the same as bringing back Jack Nicholson as The Joker. And as said before, he's way too zany and comedic like Jack Nicholson for Chris Nolan's Joker. He's more of a Tim Burton type Joker. If they were to get a big name actor to play The Joker, I'd want it to be Johnny Depp, not Williams.

[Warhammer]

I definately dont mind Williams being The Joker.
But i have my eyes set on Paul Bettany being Joker.

If all else fails, Robin Williams would be a good Joker.
Insomnia and One Hour Photo shows that he can do it.

But then again, now that I think about it.......maybe back in the day, but Paul Bettany is my Joker.

:cool:

[Warhammer]

Robin Williams couldn't hold a candle to Jack Nicholson anyhow!

Whoa, no.

[raybia]

Ventriloques,

Perfect, but he's not a major villian anyhow.

[DavidTyler]

I agree; he can be a very good actor in serious/dramatic roles.

But someone (don't remember who) nailed the issue of the Joker, and why a comedian shouldn't play him -- he's NOT FUNNY. You should never laugh WITH him, and you shouldn't even laugh AT him all that much, unless it's nervous laughter about how completely crazy he is.

The Joker's only funny to himself. Consequently, it would be great to cast someone who NEVER makes you think of comedy outside of the role; you should only laugh at the character if he does something that's actually wacky, but you should be scared of him at the same time.

Finally, I don't know where this clamoring for Lachy Hulme is coming from; the only thing I know him from is a small role in the "Matrix" films, and to me, he's a cipher. I think Paul Bettany is a much better choice for the role (and I think his star is going to skyrocket when "The DaVinci Code" comes out.)

Or, dare I say it, Crispin Glover would be scary as hell, darkly funny if necessary, and is physically imposing enough to be able to deal with Bale. He's also a genuinely good actor, so...

-- Admiral Nelson

It was probably me.

I've been trying for a long time to get people to see that The Joker isn't and shouldn't be funny. He's a killer and a maniac. He should be terrifying. A monster. By calling him The Joker.. you are calling him a wild card not a commedian. At least, that's how I've always seen it.

And I've been saying right along that Nicholson's performance as the Joker was vastly overated. I think people were confusing their love for him with what he brought to the character.

Now, I love Nicholson. I think he's a powerhouse when he wants to be and extremely entertaining. The problem is, when he's just playing it loose like he did in B89, he's not acting. He's just goofing around.

And I am stunned that you share my opinin of Crispin as the character.

Now, I'm fine with Nolan not being interested in Crispin Glover but I'm just happy to know someone else who thinks Crispin would be dark and frightening as the character.

[titan101]

no.robin williams must learn his true destiny...





















play the riddler.

[trustyside-kick]

I could see Williams as Calendar Man or The Ventriloquist, but not Joker.

Definetly. He should be either Calendar Man or The Ventriloquist. On my thread in the other forum I suggested Williams for The Ventriloquist. :P

[Keyser Sushi]

You know... Robin Williams isn't gonna be anywhere near this Bat-franchise unless he has a cameo somewhere as a random guy. And even then I doubt it.

I realize all our threads in this particular part of the forums are kind of lame right now, but this isn't even lame in the amusing way. This is just... lame.

I'd like to work with Chris Nolan, too. There. Now somebody start a thread saying that I want the role of Silver St. Cloud. And yes, I am a dude.

[The Fallen]

Robin mate I loves ya, but I don't want you for the Joker. I'm honestly suck between Hulme and Bettany. To me Hulme as the look while Bettany has the acting chops...

[Erundur]

I do not mind Williams being in the Batman films but I want Bettany as Joker damn it.

[Bullseye]

I'm sure Williams wouldn't want the role this time around since he didn't get cast as Joker in 1989 Batman film.

[Maxwell Smart]

Consequently, it would be great to cast someone who NEVER makes you think of comedy outside of the role;

Sean Penn? :confused:

[Prognosticator]

No, you pretended a handgun was a tank. You brought up One Hour Photo - barely even a cult favorite - in relation to Williams' ability to play a part in Batman, that's when I said you were getting silly.

I was referring to Williams acting ability in One Hour Photo, probably one of his five best performances, not the heavyweight performance it had at the box office...It was made by an indie studio so that's no argument. I didn't list it among the hit moneymakers for a reason. thanks.

....I was refering to the fact that he didn't ham the hell out of the role like he's had the tendancy to do sometimes. He played it straight creepy and the performance worked.

[Prognosticator]

After reading some of these posts, I'm sorry I brought this back into circulation...let it die!!

[Bruce_Wayne29]

Could work. I always thought of Robin more as The Riddler though...

[Spider-Bite]

Robin Williams could stand to lose a littelw eight if he was to play the Joker. With the right make up they could easily make him look younger. There are cream make ups they could use that would totally make his skin look smooth and wrinkle free. And with latex and just the right make up they could probably make him look like the Joker. I can't say though because I like all of you haven't seen any screen tests.

As far as acting goes he could probably tear that role up!:up: That actor is so talented and diverse, funny, and capable of practically anything onscreen!

[Ronny Shade]

Robin Williams could stand to lose a littelw eight if he was to play the Joker. With the right make up they could easily make him look younger. There are cream make ups they could use that would totally make his skin look smooth and wrinkle free. And with latex and just the right make up they could probably make him look like the Joker. I can't say though because I like all of you haven't seen any screen tests.

As far as acting goes he could probably tear that role up!:up: That actor is so talented and diverse, funny, and capable of practically anything onscreen!
He'd have to lose quite a bit of weight to look right.


Otherwise he'll look like Nicholson did.

[raybia]

Look, I like and respect Williams as much as anyone but I really think seriously considering him for the role of the Joker is reaching.

At this point anyone note worthy who gives a reporter a sound bite about wanting this role will be reported.

I'm certain at this point that either Hulme or Bettany will land the role.

Having a big name or someone like Williams as the Joker reeks of Batman'89 all over again.

[Mr. Socko]

I should make a thread titled "I want The Joker role!"

[Keyser Sushi]

I should make a thread titled "I want The Joker role!"

You totally should. :up:

[ultimatefan]

Williams is known to want that part since 1988, he was considered for the Tim Burton movie. There were also talks about him being Riddler in Forever and a comment that he wanted to play Octopus in Spidey 2. I doubt he will get the part, Nolan wants an unknown and, from the names being considered so far, they´re clearly looking for a younger and skinnier actor.

[The Chairman]

If Nicholson had not done the role in '89, Williams would've been my top choice.

[Trooper]

hes too old but he wuda been great 10 years ago

[The Chairman]

Sean Penn? :confused:

He was rumored for the part awhile back.

[DV8]

You know who I always thought would OWN as Joker, but is also probably a bit too old?

http://www.michaelwincott.org/Themes/Wallpaper/TDwall06.jpg

Michael Wincott . . . that fuacker is EVIL!

[The Chairman]

He's been mentioned before. I've never seen him act. What films has he done? All I know from him is that Robin hood flick and Alien: Resurrection.

[DV8]

hahahaha . . . that pic above is from The Crow . . . never seen it?

I guess he's kind of a mediocre actor . . . but strong enough for Nolan to pull one helluva performance out of him!

[The Chairman]

hahahaha . . . that pic above is from The Crow . . . never seen it?

No, unfortunately. I should probably check it out.

[KingOfDreams]

He'd be great, but he's too old now.

[neemer5]

Well they're going to mix up the younger and the older villains, the way they did with Begins. So if Williams plays Joker (which he's very capable of), then they need to spread the age for the other villains. With Weisz being cast, it should be a healthy mix.

[The Chairman]

Thought: What about Williams as The Penguin?

[Ronny Shade]

Thought: What about Williams as The Penguin?
thinks...





still thinking....





....






my friend, this could be an amazing idea

[mister Lennon]

I think that Robin Willams is a good actor, but now he is too old and fat to be the joker. I think that Nolan and company want someone who is closer to the comics character, someone younger and thin. He could be a decent riddler, and a good penguin.

By the way, Willams was ofered all the bat villains in past movies: the joker, the penguin and the riddler. Even the scarecrow in batman begins. Also , he was one of the choices for doctor octopus in spiderman 2. Curious thing.

[mister Lennon]

He could be a great mad hatter too.

[The Chairman]

He could be a great mad hatter too.

He'd be awesome, but Geoffrey Rush IS The Mad Hatter for me.

[The Chairman]

thinks...





still thinking....





....






my friend, this could be an amazing idea

Cool.

He's now my top pick.

[Two-Face]

My pick for Scarface, if Robin Williams plays him.

[Macphisto]

Thought: What about Williams as The Penguin?
Isn't this the role Jett at BOF suggested he play last week? I could see Williams as the Penguin working.

[mjbull23]

My thoughts exactly, I think Williams has a great natural look for the role of Penguin.

[Two-Face]

Bob Hoskins all the way!

[The Chairman]

I agree, Two-Face, Hoskins would make an awesome Penguin. However, a few months ago there was a rumor that hue turendd it down, and considering he turned the part down back in 1992, it's probably true. So, I think Robin Williams would work as The Penguin. He's short, pudgy and he already has a rather pointy nose, so he already looks the part.

[explode7]

Williams isn't the type of Joker that will work well in Nolans world. Believe me. He could have probably worked well in the shaumacher films. They better not put williams or else I would never watch another Batman movie again.

[GoldGoblin]

Robin Williams doesn't have half a chance to get the role,it's sad that he doesn't know it.

[explode7]

I hope he has far less than half a chance for that role because it will be batman & Robin all over again.

[Two-Face]

I agree, Two-Face, Hoskins would make an awesome Penguin. However, a few months ago there was a rumor that hue turendd it down, and considering he turned the part down back in 1992, it's probably true. So, I think Robin Williams would work as The Penguin. He's short, pudgy and he already has a rather pointy nose, so he already looks the part.


If that's case then I choose David Suchet as Penguin but I still think Bob Hoskins would be great, nothing against Robin Williams he would be better as Scarface.

[The Chairman]

If that's case then I choose David Suchet as Penguin but I still think Bob Hoskins would be great, nothing against Robin Williams he would be better as Scarface.

If you mean The Ventriloquist (Scarface is the Dummy) aka Arnold Weskler, then he'd be good, but my pick for the role is Steve Martin. Flame me all you want, but I think he can pull it off.

[ToddIsDead]

I hope he has far less than half a chance for that role because it will be batman & Robin all over again.
You give Robin Williams far less credit than he deserves :down

[Two-Face]

If you mean The Ventriloquist (Scarface is the Dummy) aka Arnold Weskler, then he'd be good, but my pick for the role is Steve Martin. Flame me all you want, but I think he can pull it off.

yeah Williams could do the voice!

[The-Night]

John Lithgow as The Ventriloquist

[Digital_Ashes]

http://i3.tinypic.com/wa4whh.jpg

[Don Corleone]

maybe when he was younger, and maybe another role, like the riddler..wasnt he originally offered this back in the day when carey took it, and joel shcumacher decided to mess the franchise up?

[ganstaman56]

too bad!! we need someone who can be serious and wont crap the role up by being goofy instead of sinister. they cast Jim Carrey as the evil murderous Count Olaf in Series Of Unfortunate Events and he completely crapped up the role. so just imagine what Robin Williams will do to the image of the Clown Prince Of Crime if he's cast as the role. so there is absolutely no way in hell they will pick him.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

he's so old......I mean, maybe he'd make a great DKR or ROTJ Joker......but a younger, Year One.....pre-contunuity Joker? Nah.

[Mr. Socko]

Robin Williams is a real Ventriloquist, he's the man of over 100 voices.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Well....he could be the Ventriloquist and Scarface........

[Two-Face]

wait aren't same person? One controls the doll other is normal human?

[titan101]

wait aren't same person? One controls the doll other is normal human?i guess you could say that...

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Not really......the guy has a mental disorder. In reality, yeah....he IS both. But, for him, both are separate personalities...different people. So.....take it that way.

[trustyside-kick]

Robin Williams is a real Ventriloquist, he's the man of over 100 voices.

Yea, in my thread that I started a long time ago I said he should be The Ventriloquist. :up:

[Cinemaman]

I don't think he will be good Joker, he doesn't have something from Joker.

I don't like him.

[Ronny Shade]

Robin Williams is a real Ventriloquist, he's the man of over 100 voices.
Ventriloquism is the ability to throw your voice, not the ability to change it.

[nolan's roll'n]

Robin Williams for the Joker? No way. Seriously, the dude doesn't resemble any interpretation of the Joker I've seen anyway. This is not going to happen. As much as he says he wants the role, there are much better, younger actors who would be a better choice. I know he's worked with Nolan on Insomnia but he's a bit old for the role and doesn't seem Jokerish to me. Even though it's not going to happen, I want any rumored actor for the role besides him. Even Paul Bettany, as much as I don't want him to be the Joker, he's better than Robin Williams.

[trustyside-kick]

http://i3.tinypic.com/wa4whh.jpg

:down

[Dark Knight]

yeah. to late for Williams to be Joker now. Maybe 10 or 15 years ago. Too late now however. How about Williams as the Ventriloquist/Scarface??

[Dark Knight]

Well....he could be the Ventriloquist and Scarface........


thats what I just said....and I didn't even read your post!

I think Robin Williams would be an excellent choice as the Ventriloquist/voice of Scarface. He would be a natural for the role...:up: