Batmans arch nemesis the Joker, created by Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson and Bill Finger, first appeared in Batman #1 way back in April 1940 as a on-off antagonist, but DC so loved the characters contrast to the Dark Knight that the character was saved from oblivion, gradually rising to become the Caped Crusaders primary and most challenging foe. The clown prince of crime was first portrayed on the small screen by Cesar Romero in the infamously camp 1966 TV serial. After being voiced by Larry Storch, Lennie Weinrib and Frank Welker in various animated serials throughout the 60's, 70's and 80's the character was portrayed for the first time on the big screen by legendary Hollywood actor Jack Nicholson in Tim Burtons 1989 movie Batman. During the nineties and noughties the Joker was voiced across various mediums and to critical acclaim by former Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, before again returning to the big screen in Christopher Nolans 2008 movie The Dark Knight, this time portrayed Heath Ledger whom won a posthumous Oscar for Best Supportng Actor for the role. After Hamills retirement from the role of voicing the character, actors such as Jeff Bennett, Michael Emerson, Troy Baker, John DiMaggio and Brent Spiner have since voiced the character.
While it is almost unanimously agreed among fans that the best Jokers to date have been Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger and Mark Hamill (all pictured above), a lot of fans have been praising director David Ayer for casting Oscar winning actor Jared Leto in the role of the Joker for the forthcoming Suicide Squad movie. Unfortunately with the release of the following image via social platform Twitter, fan opinion on the movie, Leto's casting in the role and the production teams design for the character has divided the opinions of fans.
The Suicide Squad wishes you a Happy Anniversary Mr. J! #Joker75 #SuicideSquad @WarnerBrosEnt @DCComics pic.twitter.com/LZXz0x947Q
— David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) April 25, 2015
With this Marilyn Manson-esque Joker joining the likes of a heavily tattooed surfer-bum Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Gal Gadots Xena Warrior Princess styled Wonder Woman, one begins to wonder and worry what Warner Bros have in store for the rest of their planned DCCU.
