A.V. Opinions: What are the chances David Howard Thornton could become the new Joker?

David Howard Thornton, the man behind the terrifying Art the Clown, has made no secret of his admiration for the Joker. As his favorite villain, Thornton has expressed his dream of playing the Clown Prince of Crime. And honestly, with James Gunn at the helm of DC Studios, this might be the perfect time for it to happen.

Thornton’s vision for the Joker draws inspiration from Cesar Romero’s eccentricity and Mark Hamill’s animated chaos. While recent portrayals have leaned heavily into realism or psychological depth, Thornton’s theatrical approach could breathe new life into the character. With his background in horror and physical storytelling, honed through his hauntingly expressive work as Art the Clown, Thornton could create a Joker that feels fresh while still honoring the character’s roots.

James Gunn’s horror credentials make him a compelling ally for Thornton’s ambitions. Before directing superhero blockbusters, Gunn cut his teeth with Troma films and wrote Dawn of the Dead. His love for the genre suggests he’d appreciate the raw talent Thornton has displayed in the Terrifier series. After the surprising box office success of Terrifier 2, which even outpaced Joker: Folie à Deux in select runs, Thornton has proven he’s more than a cult favorite—he’s a star on the rise. Gunn’s track record of casting unconventional actors in iconic roles only strengthens the case.

However, Thornton faces stiff competition. Bill Skarsgård, who made waves as Pennywise in IT, has thrown his name into the hat. Skarsgård’s proven ability to bring depth and menace to clownish roles makes him a major contender. And he’s not alone—several high-profile actors have expressed interest in playing the Joker, making this a crowded field. Thornton’s road to the role won’t be easy, but his horror background and Gunn’s penchant for taking risks could work in his favor.

While the odds may be steep, Thornton has the talent, passion, and vision to redefine the Joker. If anyone can see the potential in casting a horror icon to play the Clown Prince of Crime, it’s James Gunn. Here’s hoping Gunn gives Thornton the green light.

-Brad McBoom