The Seven Faces Of Madness: Ranking Every Major Live-Action Joker Actor And Their Shocking Future

The Joker, a character synonymous with chaos, anarchy, and twisted genius, has transcended the comic book page to become one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history. For decades, a select group of actors have taken on the daunting task of embodying the Clown Prince of Crime, each bringing a unique, often unsettling, interpretation to the role. As of today, December 18, 2025, the conversation around the Joker is more vibrant than ever, fueled by Oscar-winning performances and the promise of multiple, simultaneous versions of the character appearing across different DC franchises.

The true genius of the Joker lies in his adaptability; he is a mirror reflecting the fears of whatever era he appears in. This article delves into the legacy of every major live-action Joker actor, ranks their unforgettable performances, and provides the most current, up-to-date information on the future of the character in the DC cinematic landscape, particularly focusing on the highly anticipated sequel to *Joker* and the next appearance of the terrifying Arkham prisoner from *The Batman*.

The Complete Roster of Live-Action Joker Actors

The following list details the primary actors who have portrayed the Joker in live-action film and television, creating a dynasty of madness that spans over six decades. This list does not include voice actors, though the legendary Mark Hamill’s impact on the character is undeniable.

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• Cesar Romero (1966–1968): The first live-action Joker, appearing in the *Batman* television series and its spin-off film. Romero’s portrayal was campy, lighthearted, and perfectly matched the colorful, pop-art aesthetic of the 1960s. He famously refused to shave his mustache, which was simply painted over with white makeup.
• Jack Nicholson (1989): Starred as the Joker in Tim Burton's *Batman*. Nicholson brought a theatrical, larger-than-life menace, blending the character’s comic book origins with a classic Hollywood villain sensibility. His performance cemented the Joker as a serious box-office draw.
• Heath Ledger (2008): Portrayed the Joker in Christopher Nolan's *The Dark Knight*. Ledger’s anarchist, scarred, and psychologically terrifying performance redefined the character for a new generation, earning him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
• Jared Leto (2016 & 2021): Appeared as the Joker in *Suicide Squad* and Zack Snyder's *Justice League*. Leto's version was controversial, featuring a modern, tattooed, and gangster-inspired look.
• Joaquin Phoenix (2019 & 2024): Starred in Todd Phillips' *Joker*, a standalone origin story. Phoenix delivered a deeply unsettling, grounded, and tragic performance as Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who descends into madness, also earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
• Cameron Monaghan (2014–2019): Played the proto-Joker figures, Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska, in the television series *Gotham*. Monaghan's dual performance was praised for its intensity and commitment to the character’s evolving madness over multiple seasons.
• Barry Keoghan (2022): Introduced as the "Unseen Arkham Prisoner" in a deleted scene from Matt Reeves’ *The Batman*. Keoghan's brief, yet chilling, appearance presented a physically deformed and deeply disturbed version of the villain.

The Current State of the Clown Prince of Crime: Joaquin Phoenix's Reign Continues

The most pressing and current piece of news surrounding the Joker character actor is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster. The film, titled *Joker: Folie à Deux*, sees Joaquin Phoenix return as Arthur Fleck, the man who became the Joker.

The sequel is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 4, 2024. This date marks a significant moment for DC films, as the original *Joker* was a massive critical and commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and earning Phoenix his first Oscar. The term "Folie à Deux" translates to "madness for two," which points directly to the film's central new dynamic.

Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn

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A major development that has sent shockwaves through the industry is the casting of global superstar Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, who will become the Joker’s twisted love interest, Harley Quinn. Unlike the traditional comic book or DCEU version, this Harley Quinn is expected to be a more grounded and darker take, fitting the tone of director Todd Phillips’ universe.

Furthermore, *Joker: Folie à Deux* is rumored to be a musical, a shocking stylistic shift that has ignited intense curiosity and speculation among fans and critics alike. This bold choice, coupled with the addition of Lady Gaga, suggests a highly theatrical and potentially even more bizarre exploration of Arthur Fleck's fractured psyche. The film will also feature Irish actor Brendan Gleeson in an undisclosed role.

The Next Generation of Madness: Barry Keoghan's Future as the Joker

While Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker exists in a standalone, non-DCEU universe, the other major, current live-action Joker is Barry Keoghan, who made a brief, yet unforgettable, debut in Matt Reeves' 2022 film *The Batman*. Credited only as "Unseen Arkham Prisoner," his appearance was deliberately unsettling, featuring a scarred, disfigured face and a chilling laugh that suggested a long history with Robert Pattinson’s Batman.

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The Batman Part II and Beyond

The most recent reports and fan speculation strongly suggest that Barry Keoghan will return as the Joker in the upcoming sequel, *The Batman: Part II*, which is currently slated for a 2025 release. While the exact size of his role remains a closely guarded secret, his presence is expected to loom large over the burgeoning "Bat-Verse."

Keoghan’s version is distinct—a fully formed, terrifying villain who has already had multiple encounters with Batman, as evidenced by the scars and his conversation with The Riddler. The actor himself has expressed a desire to continue exploring the character, though he has stated that his future in the role is currently uncertain and depends on the direction of Matt Reeves' franchise.

Rumors of an Arkham Series

Adding to the topical authority surrounding Keoghan's portrayal are persistent rumors of a spin-off series focusing on Arkham Asylum, which could feature his Joker as a major character. While Matt Reeves' Bat-Verse is already expanding with the *The Penguin* series, an *Arkham* project would provide the perfect vehicle to delve deeper into Keoghan's unique and physically grotesque take on the villain, potentially setting him up as the main antagonist for a future *The Batman* installment.

The Immortal Legacy: Ranking the Most Iconic Joker Performances

Evaluating the performances of the Joker is less about ranking them from "worst to best" and more about acknowledging the distinct flavor of madness each actor brought to the table. However, two performances stand out for their profound cultural and cinematic impact, both of which earned the actors an Academy Award.

1. Heath Ledger (*The Dark Knight*): Ledger's performance is often considered the gold standard for its sheer commitment to anarchy. He shed the theatricality of previous versions to deliver a raw, terrifying, and psychologically deep portrayal of a terrorist who simply wants to watch the world burn. His method acting and tragic passing cemented his legacy as the definitive modern Joker.
2. Joaquin Phoenix (*Joker*): Phoenix’s portrayal is a masterclass in tragic realism. He didn't play a supervillain; he played a broken man, Arthur Fleck, whose descent into madness is a horrifying commentary on societal neglect and mental illness. The performance is deeply empathetic and disturbing, earning him the rare distinction of an Oscar for a comic book character.
3. Jack Nicholson (*Batman*): Nicholson's Joker is the perfect bridge between the campy past and the darker future. He was a flamboyant, gleefully evil gangster whose origin story—falling into a vat of chemicals—is classic comic book lore. His energy is unmatched and remains a favorite for many fans.

The continued, and now parallel, existence of Joaquin Phoenix’s emotionally devastating Arthur Fleck and Barry Keoghan’s physically disturbing Arkham prisoner ensures that the character remains a central, evolving figure in popular culture. As the October 2024 release of *Joker: Folie à Deux* approaches, and with Keoghan’s return looming, the legacy of the Joker character actor is set to become even more complex, layered, and terrifyingly brilliant.