Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s highly-celebrated Batman film, The Dark Knight, was one of the most memorable roles of his career. In fact, Ledger’s portrayal of Joker is considered as one of the best villains to grace the screen ever.
But unfortunately, the actor could not make it to another Batman trilogy film as he passed away from cardiac arrest on January 22, 2008, due to the use of prescription drugs. The news of Heath Ledger’s sudden death had put the fans in a state of shock who were expecting to see more of Joker in other Batman trilogy movies.
The Dark Knight was released a few months after Ledger’s death. The role won him a posthumous Oscar in 2009 for Best Supporting Actor.
Heath Ledger’s sister, Kate Ledger, recently revealed that her brother had plans to portray the iconic character of the Joker in trilogy finale The Dark Knight Rises. Kate talked about her brother’s last conversation with her in an interview with Australian website news.com.au sometime last year while promoting the documentary “I Am Heath Ledger.”
“I spoke to him the night before (he died) and we were laughing and joking,” Ledger said during the interview. “He was so proud of what he had done in Batman. And I know he had plans for another Batman. 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,” Kate added. “We had a great time.”
In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1, The Dark Knight Director, Christopher Nolan, said that Ledger was completely unpredictable on the sets. He would gradually reveal to him how he was going to perform, keeping all his cards close to the chest.
The Joker has been an iconic role similar to The Batman and its fanbase has increased over the years. Warner Bros. is also currently working on an origin film for the clown prince of crime under a new DC banner.
Undoubtedly, the impact Heath Ledger had on the audiences as the Joker cannot be ignored even after 10 years of his death.
Source: News.com.au via Batman-News
