Joaquin Phoenix Was Considered for Joker Role in 'The Dark Knight'

Phoenix reveals he was approached by Christopher Nolan but felt unprepared, leaving the iconic role to Heath Ledger.

Joaquin Phoenix discussed on Rick Rubin's podcast that he was approached by Christopher Nolan to play the Joker in 'The Dark Knight'.
Phoenix felt he wasn't ready for the role, which ultimately went to Heath Ledger, earning Ledger a posthumous Oscar.
Phoenix later portrayed the Joker in the 2019 film by Todd Phillips, for which he won an Academy Award.
The sequel, 'Joker: Folie à Deux', co-starring Lady Gaga, faced critical and box office challenges.
Reports suggest Nolan influenced the original 'Joker' movie's ending to avoid similarities with Ledger's portrayal.