Can Kristen Stewart Play the Joker in an Upcoming DC Film?
The Dark Knight franchise has expanded to include various roles for iconic characters, including potential slots for the Joker. However, the question arises regarding whether Kristen Stewart, an actress with a mixed reputation, could convincingly take on the role of the Joker in an upcoming DC film.
As of now, there are two female Jokers in the DC canon: Bianca Steeplechase and Martha Wayne. The latter is a central character in the Flashpoint universe, where Thomas Wayne becomes Batman, and his mother, Martha, becomes the Joker. Consequently, if Kristen Stewart were to portray the Joker, it would necessitate the casting of Tom Hardy as Thomas Wayne, rather than as the traditional Batman.
Stewart, while not averse to acting, has faced criticism for her role as Bella Swan in the Twilight series. However, it's important to note that her acting abilities extend beyond just Bella. Her talents were notable in films such as Third Persimmon, Zathura, and Catch That Kid. In contrast, her portrayal of Snow White in Snow White and the Huntsman received significant backlash due to perceived misfitting with the character.
Acting Skills and Potential
The question of whether Stewart can play the Joker hinges on her acting skills and the specific demands of the character. The Joker, known for being deeply psychological and oftenDoubleClick suffering from a split personality, requires an actress with a nuanced acting range. Stewart's performance in films such as Zathura and Catch That Kid showcased her ability to handle complex and often unconventional characters. However, the role of the Joker demands a much more dark and sinister presence, which makes her casting less likely.
Stewart herself has mixed feelings about the possibility of playing the Joker. When approached for the role, she expressed a preference for playing new, more contemporary characters. Her hesitance might stem from the public's perception of her as the Bella Swan from Twilight, and a desire to distance herself from that image.
Directorial Perspective
From a directorial standpoint, the casting of Stewart as the Joker would be highly questionable. In the Flashpoint universe, the Joker is portrayed as Martha Wayne, who would be significantly younger than the 41-year-old Stewart. In the original continuity, the Joker is depicted as a much older and more seasoned character, a transformation that would be difficult to convincingly pull off with Stewart's current age and physical appearance.
Considering the comic canon, the Joker is a character who undergoes various transformations, including a dark and brooding presence. The role requires an actress who can highlight the comic book version's dark humor and interpret the more psychologically complex aspects of the character. While Stewart has the theoretical skills, her current age and the specific demands of the role make it unlikely.
Additionally, the narrative of the Flashpoint universe plays a significant role in the potential casting. As a daughter of both Bruce and the Joker in this universe, Martha's journey is more about redemption and understanding her past than embracing the darker aspects. This dynamic would require a nuanced performance that goes beyond simple villainy, and Stewart's recent work has not provided sufficient evidence of such versatility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Kristen Stewart has the potential to be an excellent actress, the role of the Joker in an upcoming DC film is unlikely to be offered to her. The specific demands of the character, the demands of the Flashpoint universe, and her recent work all point towards a casting that would be more focused on her performance capabilities rather than her established public image.