If Not Heath Ledger ... Get Jack Black?

I have an idea about who should replace Mr. Ledger, but it's going to make everyone think I'm on drugs from suggesting it. Remember "Labyrinth?" Toby Froud, the baby boy from that movie grew up to become a talented director, puppeteer, and actor, and I really think he'd make an amazing Joker. He has similar features and can play "dark" really well. And he's from talented stock: his parents were responsible for half the fantasy movies of the '80s.

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Based on his performances in The Mask (rubber faced, huge smile), Batman Forever (skinny, colorful), and The Cable Guy (crazed menace with comedic streak), I've long thought that JIM CARREY would be ideal as the Joker, as he has been envisioned in the comics.

Not a wheezing, fat old man as with Tim Burton. Not a dirty shambles as with the Heath Ledger version.

But a neat, sleekly dressed, apparently naturally pasty-white and greenhaired, unnaturally big-smiled and ruby-lipped killer who would keep that smile going as he twists the knife that he suddenly jabbed into his victim, then utter an Arnold-style one-line and laugh hysterically.

I really should be in charge of all comic book movies... Patrick Stewart should have been Lex Luthor, etc etc.

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Jack Black or Jim Carrey would both be nothing be a silly caricature better suited to the Joel Schumacher vision of Batman. Unfortunately there really is no one else who could do what Heath Ledger did: be scary, crazy and yet real. He will at least be nominated if not win the Oscar for his work. Personally I think Chris Nolan is fully aware that there's no way to continue that character in his version of the Batman movies. And ultimately why would you? The Dark Knight is a perfect movie, you can say nothing more with the Joker character that wouldn't take away from its achievement.

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The question was who would you want to cast as Ken Kesey. Hunter S. Thompson. William S. Burroughs. Allen Ginsberg. Timothy Leary. Plus, musically-inclined folks like Jerry Garcia, The Beatles, and Jefferson Airplane, not the joker or other comic related characters.

I have no idea - just thought I would re-clarify the question posed.

But anyone replacing Depp as Thompson is going to get criticism no matter what. I'm not against seeing Black as Kesey...it would be interesting to see him play a more challenging character role than his normal schtick.

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It all depends on what time period you're trying to portray, but if you're going for the Acid Test era, these would be my picks:

Ken Kesey - yes, I definitely get Heath Ledger, and surprisingly, I even understand the option of Jack Black. When you take a good look at footage of Kesey from the time period, a restrained (i.e. strongly directed) Jack Black could pull it off. But personally, I would like to see Mark Ruffalo take on Kesey.

Hunter S. Thompson - the obvious choice for this role would be Johnny Depp (per arguably excellent portrayal of HST in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and his close personal friendship with Hunter). However, I would like to see another actor tackle the role. Gut instinct, Ed Norton.

William S. Burroughs - tough one. I could see Matthew Lillard having some fun with this one (that is, of course, if he can get out of his contract for Scooby-Doo 5 or whatever the hell he's doing right now).

Allen Ginsberg - First instinct for this one was also Mark Ruffalo, but then I changed my mind. Once again, with some serious directing, I could see David Cross doing a spot-on Ginsberg, and I know he has an unbelievable amount of respect for the man, so all the pieces are in place.

Timothy Leary - surprisingly, Leary was an easier choice for me than any of the others. Aaron Eckhart.

Jerry Garcia - with the beard and the hair, it would be easy for a lot of different actors to step into the role. Depending on how large a role he would play (and whether or not they would want his appearance to be accurate). It was rumored that Justin Berfield was going to play him in a biopic, and I see it, but I would go with Seth Rogen if he could drop some of the weight for a younger Jerry.

And I leave the rest alone... for now...

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David Cross already played Ginsberg in "I'm not there" and it was.. OK

I think Mark Ruffalo is a better choice. Also this may get me ostracized, but I can actually see Nic Cage as Kesey...please don't hit me just think about it.

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we're talking about the joker right?

NOT jack black, not jack black!

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i Simply Adore Ledger , And The Thought Of A Replacment For The Joker Seemed Out Of the Question . But i Thought About It . Jack Black ? Hell No . Too Fat And Would Make The Role Too Funny . Jim Carrey ? He Played The Riddler In One of the Older Batman Movies . He Was Good . . But i Really Dont Think He Could Capture What Heath Was Portraying .

And As For Looks ? Well Neither Jack Black Nor Jim Carrey Look Anything Close To Heath .

But One Person That Stuck in My Head While Thinking About This Is James Franco . Now Before Anyone Murders Me , Just Thinkk About It ! Ohkay , He Some What Resembles Heath Ledger . i Think He Could Handle The Role And Do A Good Job .

But Seriously , They Should Just Not Do The Joker Again . Say He Got Locked Up For Good In a Padded Room, Whatever , But No One Will Be Able To Out shine Heaths Joker . No One .

And Really , Any Actor That Has Seen Or Even Heard Heaths Work As The joker Would Be Scared Away From The Part Because They Know They Would Just Never Reach The Bar Heath Set For The Joker .

RIP Heathy .

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WOW, its shocking how many people didn't read the article, and just posted assuming what the subject implied.


i'm down to see Jack Black take the role of Kesey. if a great director is behind the wheel, Black can really shine. I think it would be great, an awesome chance for Black to prevent himself from getting too pidgin-holed in roles. he did a fine job in Holiday, a rather serious role (by his standards).


I like the idea of a more toned down Depp as HST
another poster mentioned it; David Cross as Ginsberg (with better directing would do a much better job)

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Jack Black would be perfect for the role.

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Is this mike on? It's Feb 1. Anyway, Ledger would have been great, yet Black I think could surprise. Ledger in Dogtown showed an edgy rascal side that many might expect. Kesey wasn't a rascal, but he did off-the-wall really well. I didn't see him tripping (wait a minute, maybe he was) but I did smoke hashish with him years after the Acid Tests, and that night he did a shtick about Venusians onstage at U Dub in Seattle that Black could cover. I think Black has some Ken in him.

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