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If you thought Heath Ledger’s Joker was menacing, just wait until you see the unnerving early concept for the iconic role.
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight is widely considered one of the greatest super hero films ever.
Beyond that, it is a brilliant and somewhat realistic (we are talking about Batman here) take on the caped crusader and his arch nemesis, the Joker.
The late Heath Ledger really did step up to the plate and delivered a memorable and chilling performance as the Joker.
From his speech pattern, and makeup, the character is very much the definition of iconic at this point.
However, Professional concept artist Rob Bliss’s alternative look for the Joker is simply fascinating and has left fans freaking out.
Bliss has worked on concept art for films including the Harry Potter franchise, the Dark Knight and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
His initial concept art for the Joker’s face has continued to disturb social media users as his image regularly circulates the internet.
While the final product for Joker in the film shows a more natural, ‘normal’ look, Bliss’ concept almost looks as if the Joker is wearing someone else’s face. The mouth scars are also a lot more defined and less easy on the eyes.
The images, have been shared on Reddit previously and users couldn’t help but love them… while also being terrified.
“That is utterly horrific. I love it,” one user remarked.
“Makes me think of someone I don’t wanna encounter on a night out, anywhere. If I see this version, I’m s***-rocketing myself into the 5th dimension, away from this abomination,” joked another.
“If the dark knight was made in 1997 this would be the joker,” commented another.
“This is a real side of the Joker.. After seeing so many approaches (film, television, animation, not to mention all the illustration styles) this one still gives me pause. You’d need to go total ‘R’ with the film rating, no way around that,” a fourth commented.
“Those pictures weirdly reminded me of Tyler Durden and I kinda dig that thinking Ledger could have done something cool with this look too. But then again the one they ended up doing was timeless,”
When explaining his Joker designs, Bliss said he was ‘just trying to make him look as unhinged as possible’, and it is safe to say he succeeded.
Even though this wasn’t the joker we ended up getting, it certainly would have made for an interesting take for the clown prince of crime.
Heath Ledger’s Joker without makeup is seriously freaking viewers out
A video of Heath Ledger as The Joker has gone viral as thanks to AI, it shows the actor performing scenes without his iconic make-up.
Ledger starred in The Dark Knightbefore his tragic death in 2008, and was even awarded a posthumous Academy Award for the film.
Called ‘creepy’ by fans online, the viral video has viewers freaking out as they see the actor for the first time without his costume. Check it out:
The video, which was made by GDA Tyler VFX, has already gained over 1,500 viewers and is being shared on social media as a digital recreation Ledger without his makeup.
It makes uncanny viewing as fans watch the actor blow up Gotham Hospital and also intimidate the caped crusader’s love interest, Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal).
Fans have gushed over the video, with one calling it ‘creepy’ as the digitally altered actor still gives an incredible performance without his trademark look.
They wrote: “Creepy. Best role ever I think.”
Most were similarly impressed, having been blown away by Ledger without his Joker costume.
One user even wrote: “Wow this is really cool, but why is it not complete, there are some parts that are not mentioned. I’ve seen this before, but without the joker’s voice, thanks.”
It’s been over 15 years since Ledger passed away from an accidental overdose of prescription medication, having turned to diazepam and oxycodone whilst playing the comic-book villain.
While the actor would pay the ultimate price for the all-consuming role, those around him have spoken about how much of an impact Ledger had on them.
This includes photographer Anthony Mandler, who was the last person ever to do a photoshoot with the Oscar-winning actor prior to his death.
Speaking on the Anything Goes podcast with James English, Mandler fondly remembered the Ten Things I Hate About You star.
“There are moments that are magical, and you look at it and it’s iconic,” the photographer told listeners, adding: “At the end of the day, it’s about the memory of the moment and the exchange between two artists that I remember the most.”
Mandler continued, saying: “I remember him being a beautiful guy – it was 20 years ago – but it was a shame to lose him.”
Its interviews like Mandler’s and the recent viral video of Ledger that give us a tantalising glimpse of the man behind the red and white makeup.
