New Interview Reveals that Heath Ledger Wanted to Return As The Joker

Jorge Arenas |

Feb 1, 2018

The late Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight has left fans wanting more. Even after more than ten years ears, it’s easy to see why his performance earned him a posthumous Oscar.

In a new interview with Kate Ledger, Heath’s sister, she revealed that Heath not only was proud of his work but was ready to take up the Joker again.

“I spoke to him the night before (he died) and we were laughing and joking. He was so proud of what he had done in Batman. And I know he had plans for another Batman.”

That just leaves a lot what ifs for fans like myself. Seeing Heath Ledger not only reprise his role but possibly expand upon the character could have completely changed the game as we know it. I doubt the current DC Extended Universe would look like anything we recognize today.

Kate Ledger goes on to talk about his relationship with his cast mates and crew:

“He loved working with Chris Nolan and Christian Bale and Gary Oldman. He just had the best time ever doing that film. …. When he came home at Christmas he couldn’t wait to tell us all about it and he was doing the voice and laughing, showing me all the rushes. We had a great time.”

As you might know, Heath Ledger died from a prescription drug overdose on January 22, 2008, six months before he would captivate the world with his performance as Batman’s greatest villain, the Joker.

Ledger would go on to win a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role. I believe that seeing fans’ reactions and joy to the way he treated the Joker would have been a better award. I know that I was eager and scared of how the Joker would be treated in a new film. Since Jack Nickleson’s take on the character back in 1989, the bar was set high. And with Heath Ledger’s interpretation, it was raised even further.

Heath Ledger’s legacy and life will be remembered in the upcoming I Am Heath Ledger documentary. Much of the footage from the documentary was shot by Ledger who began documenting his life at an early age.

Kate described the making of the documentary as “incredibly emotional for all of us but actually something that we are extremely proud of and something that I think has been necessary.” She added, “We feel that it’s kind of given Heath a voice, and our family, and can really talk about the truth of who he was.”

I Am Heath Ledger will premiere in Australia at Perth’s Luna Cinemas on May 9, 2018. I twill then see a small theatrical release on May 11, 2018.

Do you all think that Health Ledger’s continued involvement as the Joker would have changed things? Would the DC Extended Universe be different? Let me know your comments below! I would love to know what you all are thinking.