Joker (character)

Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Wax figure at the National Wax Museum Plus, Dublin.

The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is an archenemy of Batman. The character's creator has been disputed between Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane, even though many believe Robinson created the character. The Joker first appeared in Batman #1 (Spring 1940).

Background

Throughout his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a master criminal whose characterization has varied from that of a violent psychopath to a goofy trickster-thief. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin.

Joker's creation was inspired by Conrad Veidt's role in the 1928 silent movie The Man Who Laughs.

The Joker possesses no superhuman abilities, instead using his expertise in chemical engineering to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions and thematic weaponry, including razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid-spraying lapel flowers. The Joker sometimes works with other Gotham City supervillains, such as the Penguin and Two-Face, and groups like the Injustice Gang and Injustice League, but these relationships often collapse due to the Joker's desire for unbridled chaos. The 1990s introduced a romantic interest for the Joker in his former psychiatrist, Harley Quinn, who becomes his villainous sidekick. Although his primary obsession is Batman, the Joker has also fought other heroes, including Superman and Wonder Woman.

Origin

Throughout the character's long history, there have been several different origin tales; they most commonly depict him as falling into a vat of chemical waste, which bleaches his skin and turns his hair green and his lips bright red, giving him the appearance of a clown.

Portrayals

Cesar Romero was the first actor to play Joker in a movie in the 1966 Batman movie

Jack Nicholson played Joker in the Batman (1989)

Heath Ledger played the character in The Dark Knight (2008)

Jared Leto plays the character in the DC Extended Universe (since 2016)

Joaquin Phoenix played Joker in Joker (2019)

Barry Keoghan played Joker in The Batman (2022)

The Joker has appeared in movies, TV series and video games; he was played by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, Jared Leto, Joaquin Phoenix and Barry Keoghan in movies. On animated shows/movies he is portrayed by Mark Hamill, Richard Epcar, Kevin Michael Richardson, Larry Storch, Jeff Bennett, and John DiMaggio.

Both Ledger and Phoenix won an Academy Award for their portrayal of the character, making the Joker the second character to have its actor win an Academy Award more than once.

Live-action movies

• Played by Cesar Romero
  • Batman (1966)
• Played by Jack Nicholson
  • Batman (1989)
• Played by Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight Trilogy
  • The Dark Knight (2008)
• Played by Jared Leto in the DC Extended Universe
  • Suicide Squad (2016)
  • Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
• Played by Joaquin Phoenix
  • Joker (2019)
  • Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
• Played by Barry Keoghan
  • The Batman (2022)

Attractions

• Joker's Joyride - A Diving LIM Shuttle Loop Coaster that was located at Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags New England
• Joker - RMC Hybrid Wood-Steel coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom