As long as they keep making comic books and comic book films, there will always be Batman stories to tell. However the disappointing box office of “Joker: Folie à Deux” has us thinking that the studio should expand the Dark Knight’s well worn film franchise into new territory.
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To that end, we have ideas for Black actors we’d like to see portray the Joker on the big screen. We’ve also got suggestions for his popular paramour Harley Quinn, her best friend/girlfriend Poison Ivy, Batman and his Robins. Yep, we’re building a Black Bat Universe!
LaKeith Stanfield
LaKeith Stanfield could bring The Joker’s patented blend of screwball comedy, menacing terror and captivating mystery to the role. We don’t know what he’ll do next, but we can’t look away.
Damson Idris
His work on “Snowfall” proves that Damson Idris can be a fascinating villain. We just need to see him tap into over the top comedy.
O’Shea Jackson Jr.
The Joker is unpredictable and deceptively smart. O’Shea always has that mischievous look in his eyes like he’s 5 steps ahead of the audience.
Brian Tyree Henry
While there’s a part of us that would love to see Brian Tyree Henry as Bruce Wayne/Batman, we also know how good he is at simultaneously menacing and charming audiences.
Daniel Kaluuya
Daniel Kaluuya has a presence that instantly draws viewers into whatever story he’s telling. So no matter how much The Joker is terrorizing Gotham City, we’ll be fully invested in his actions.
Shamier Anderson
Shamier Anderson exudes the mysterious aura necessary to make The Joker seem larger than life. The fact that we don’t know exactly who he is and why he does the things he does makes him more interesting.
Swerve Strickland
AEW star Swerve Strickland effortlessly surprises fans in a world where they often know what’s coming because you never truly know how far he’s willing to push things. Is there a line he won’t cross? We don’t know. This makes him a fascinating possiblity to play Joker.
Dominique Fishback – Harley Quinn
Despite all evidence to the contrary, Harley Quinn isn’t actually crazy. She has an extremely toxic, unhealthy obsession and attachment to Joker, but she’s in control of her decisions at all times. The fact that she understands the human psyche makes her even scarier than Joker. Dominique Fishback could perfectly bring all these layers to life.
Ariana DeBose – Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn is both shockingly violent and whimsical. We know she can handle the whimsy and she’s definitely talented enough to tackle the action.
Keke Palmer – Poison Ivy/Dr. Pamela Isley
Poison Ivy has never been given her due in a live-action format. With so much focus on climate justice, now seems like the perfect time for a nuanced Ivy story with someone like Keke delivering the various layers of this misunderstood character.
Colman Domingo – Ra’s al Ghul
Ra’s al Ghul is regal, mysterious and has hundreds of years of life experience behind him. If that doesn’t scream Colman Domingo, then we don’t know what does.
Halle Berry – Catwoman
We don’t know if the Oscar winner would play Selina Kyle, or return as Patience, but either way, we think she deserves another shot at the role. She’s not the reason “Catwoman” didn’t do well.
Caleb McLaughlin – Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing
Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne have a complicated mentor/protegee relationship, but both are unquestioningly loyal to the other. The “Stranger Things” actor would balance Dick’s personal ethics with his commitment to protecting Gotham.
Aaron Pierre – Jason Todd/Red Hood
If you’ve seen Aaron Pierre’s new Netflix film “Rebel Ridge,” then you know he has the edge and swagger necessary to make Red Hood more than just a violent vigilante.
John David Washington – Bruce Wayne/Batman
The most important element in any portrayal of the Dark Knight is balancing Bruce Wayne’s trauma with Batman’s vigilante tightrope. His emotions drive him, but he keeps them under tight control so they don’t rule him.
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