AceShowbiz - Joaquin Phoenix, who has twice played the Joker in Todd Phillips' 'Joker' films, recently disclosed that he was considered for the role in Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight". In an interview on Rick Rubin's Tetragrammaton podcast, Phoenix shared, "I remember I talked to Chris Nolan about 'The Dark Knight', and that didn't happen for whatever reason."

Phoenix explained that he wasn't ready for the part at the time. He said, "It's one of those things where it's like, 'What is in me that's not doing this?' And it's not about me. There's something else. There's another person who is going to do something."

He continued, "I can't imagine what it would be if we didn't have Heath Ledger's performance in that film, right?" Phoenix recalled that he couldn't remember if Nolan had explicitly said he was the preferred choice or the context of their conversation. However, Phoenix did confirm they met and that he felt he shouldn't take on the role, although Nolan may have also had reservations about Phoenix playing the Joker.

Heath Ledger ultimately played the Joker in Nolan's 2008 sequel to "Batman Begins". His performance garnered critical acclaim and posthumously earned him an Academy Award. Phoenix also won an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in the 2019 "'Joker" film.

Despite Phoenix's consideration for "The Dark Knight", it was Ledger who delivered an unforgettable performance as the iconic villain. Phoenix's own turn as the Joker in "Joker" stands as an equally memorable interpretation of the character, demonstrating the versatility of the role and the enduring fascination it holds for audiences.