People News

Jack Nicholson's Joker rage

Nov 8, 2007, 7:30 GMT

Jack Nicholson is 'furious' Heath Ledger is playing the Joker in the new Batman movie. US actor Jack Nicholson watches the Los Angeles Lakers play the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California , USA, 30 October 2007. EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT CHINA OUT

US actor Jack Nicholson watches the Los Angeles Lakers play the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California , USA, 30 October 2007. EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT CHINA OUTThe 70-year-old actor, who starred as the villainous trickster in the 1989 film 'Batman', was livid he wasn't asked to reprise his role for 'The Dark Knight'.When asked how he felt about another actor playing the Joker, Nicholson replied: "I'm furious. I'm furious. [He laughs.] They never asked me about a sequel with the Joker. I know how to do that! Nobody ever asked me.

Heath will rock as the Joker

"It's like, in any area, you can't believe the reasons things do or don't happen. Not asking me how to do the sequel is that kind of thing. Maybe it's not a mistake. Maybe it was the right thing, but to be candid, I'm furious."The Oscar-winning star also revealed he felt destined to play the Joker from childhood when he fell in love with the DC comic book series.He added to MTV: "Well, the Joker comes from my childhood. That's how I got involved with it in the first place. It's a part I always thought I should play."Nicholson doubts he will want to see Ledger in the role when the movie is released next summer.He said: "I'm not inclined to watch the movie because of what I said. But if it's a good movie, I'll catch up with it somewhere."(C) BANG Media International

View blog reactions

Latest Headlines in People

Talkback

Add your comment (no registration required)

page: 1

Ralph from Hoboken, NJNov 9th, 2007 - 16:23:49

Mr. Nicholson should just let it go! The reason they did not ask him is because he is too old and that this is a totally different set of films and a different time. Jack's Joker was great in its day, but times change. Besides, this is not a sequal to 'Batman' ('89). Give Heath Ledger a chance! I believe he will be awesome as the new Joker. Finally, they are going to show the Joker the way he truly is supposed to be portrayed on the big screen. I, as a die-hard Batman fan, have been waiting a long time to see the 'real' Joker.

Report this comment

michaelApr 21st, 2008 - 00:02:04

first of all I don't agree to what you consider the real joker!! Jack did a great job and I consider him the og in that! As for Heath yes he will do a great job from what I can see and he might even portray a better joker but jack is the real joker!!

Report this comment

TRON3Jul 22nd, 2008 - 21:56:54

What, no one loves Ceaser Romaro as the Joker? (1960's Batman)

Heath Ledger takes the cake. He also takes the part to his grave. The fans simply won't accept anyone filling his shoes.

On to the next super criminal.

Report this comment

page: 1

Add your comment (no registration required)