3. The Joker - Christoph Waltz
No one, in my own opinion, can do what Heath Ledger did with The Joker. His performance was a master class. Its one of those portrayals that stick with you forever. Its a classic acting tour de force. However, The Joker is too iconic and significant to the Batman mythology to not be included in the reboot. The Dark Knight, more so Nolan, didnt want to include an origin for The Joker. He wanted him to an absolute. This is what youre getting. Hes mysterious and his past is up to a variety of interpretations, some of which he isnt sure. The reboot, I think, should tackle an origin. Whether it be something entirely new and created by the filmmakers or an amalgam of something from the comics or other interpretations of The Joker, an origin should be included. Theres no need to explain The Joker. You know what youre getting with him. And yes, Christoph Waltz should play him. Known for his roles in Quentin Tarantionos Inglorious Basterds and Django Unchained. In both roles in each film, hes garnered many honors and universal praise. His acting skills are unparalleled and hes a terrific actor. Waltz is an older and seasoned actor and his performance as Hans Landa in Basterds shows me that he can play the crazy and sadistic madman. Landa was a Nazi official who had a certain off-putting cheerfulness when it came to performing his job. This reminds me of The Joker who finds pleasure in creating chaos. Waltz would be an attraction for fans of his to see the reboot. Initially he was my choice for Hugo Strange (I believe he could play that role well), but The Joker would have more layers: its more demanding a role. Waltz is well-accomplished and a big enough name to succeed Ledger.