With the new Joker movie on its way this October, the infamous Batman villain is back on the radar. While he’s lurking about in promo pics and throwback posts, we thought we’d put a smile on your face with these 5 wild facts about the Joker.
He Is Based On The German Actor Conrad Vedit
One of the credited creators of the Joker produced an image of the villain that was inspired by the German actor Conrad Veidt. He chose a black and white photo of the pale-skinned, deranged looking figure and the Joker’s look evolved from there.
Batman comic book trio Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson are all credited with creating The Joker, but it was Finger who brought a crucial element into play: Conrad Veidt.
There’s A Comic Where The Joker Is Bruce Wayne’s Mother
In one of the Flashpoint comics, an alternate reality is introduced where the DC universe gets flipped on its head. In this universe, the Joker is Bruce Wayne’s mother. Weird, right?
He Had His Own Comic Book Series
The Joker is one of the few villains who gets the spotlight over the superhero. In 1975, he actually received his own eponymous series. It only had nine issues, but it was still a big deal at the time.
He Is Immune To The Scarecrow
The Scarecrow has the ability to conjure your worst fears. For the Joker, however, Scarecrow’s fear toxin has no effect. Perhaps this is because he has developed resistance to toxins, or maybe he just fears nothing. Not even the Batman.
Method Acting
Most people are aware that Heath Ledger used method acting to get into the role of the Joker for 2008’s The Dark Knight. Few people fully understand the lengths he went to. He once locked himself in a hotel room for a month so that he could experience total isolation. He also stayed in full makeup while on set and designed his look himself.
