I wouldn’t get a 40 year old actor for this unless it’s a gigantic name. Ben Foster isn’t huge. He’s just respected.
I have always wanted a younger actor for this so that won’t change ever. Although casuals were freaking out in that test screening (so it could be a big name for Joker) it does feel rather...studio driven to get a DiCaprio, McConaughey, Malek, Gosling, Gyllenhaal at this point. They also fit into that Joaquin Phoenix/Jared Leto age range that we just had. I’m sick of long hair Joker. I’m sick of makeup Joker. I’m sick of middle aged Joker too. Reeves prides himself in thinking of new ways to approach this, so i’m sticking by my original hunch of this being a young actor on the rise who can match well with Rob. As far as I’m concerned we need another magic Ledger/Bale pairing for this.