Summary
Robin Williamswas one of the most beloved and well-respected actors in Hollywood for decades, but at a pivotal moment in his career, he almost landed a role that would have changed everything. Williams was a passionate and enigmatic actor and comedian who created dozens of films and TV shows that inspired warmth, happiness, and joy in the viewers. His exuberant energy, and his unique ability to use his body, voice, and face to create entire characters and skits on the fly was unrivaled.
This exact energy is what landed him his breakout role inMork & Mindy, which was a spin-off fromHappy Daysthat grew out of the character’s one-off appearance garnering so much positive attention. He continued to perform in roles like this andhone his talents for comedy, while making moves into more dramatic roles throughout his career. However, one role could have entirely altered the course of his career.Williams was offered the chance to play the Joker in the 1989Batmanmoviedirected by Tim Burton, which would have seen Williams becoming the intense villain.
The Best Robin Williams Movies, Ranked
Robin Williams starred in a plethora of movies highlighting his talents for both drama and comedy, but there are some that stand out as his best.
Robin Williams As Joker In 1989’s Batman Would’ve Altered The Course Of His Career
Batman Could Have Set Williams On A New Path As A Villain
It’s not an understatement to suggest that had Williams been cast in the role of the Joker, it would have completely changed his career. In 1989, it was still an early point in Williams' career and certainly as a successful actor who could play larger, leading parts. Up to that point, his most recognizable role was stillMork & Mindy, along with the recent release ofGood Morning, Vietnamin 1987. He wasstill establishing his career and finding his nichein the industry, and 1989 was a pivotal year that would see him embrace several other roles and opportunities.
Robin Williams was also offered the opportunity to play Riddler inBatman Forever, but that role was then handed over to Jim Carrey.
Just in the years between 1991 and 1993,Robin Williams appeared inAladdin,Hook,Toys,Mrs. Doubtfire, and several animated features which established Williams as a family-friendly, comic actor. Had he gone through with the role as Joker inBatman, it is likely that the blockbuster movie could haveset him on a course of playing villainsand more dark roles. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it would have been interesting to see Williams in more villain roles, but his face and voice became synonymous with so many great family movies that it’s hard to imagine him doing anything else.
Missing Out On Joker Was A Blessing In Disguise For Robin Williams (& For Cinema)
He Didn’t Need The Batman To Make A Name For Himself
Years later, Williams would get a chance to play the bad guy in movies like Christopher Nolan’sInsomnia, where he excelled in the role, buthe found his calling in family movies. Williams' joy, positivity and humor made him an entirely unique and indispensable performer who was widely beloved and continues to be so a decade after his untimely death. It’s not a question of talent, because he had that in spades, but his value and prominence as a performer who could connect with all audiences was so special and will live on in Hollywood forever.
He was still establishing his career and finding his niche in the industry, and 1989 was a pivotal year that would see him embrace several other roles and opportunities.
At the time, Robin Williams may have been frustrated at losing the opportunity to play the Joker, especially considering his affection for comic books and superheroes (viaCBR). However, the gift he gave the world through his performances in movies likeFlubber,Night at the Museum,Happy Feet,Patch Adams,Jumanjiand so much more is a legacy that anyone would be proud to leave behind.Robin Williamscould have been a tremendous villainin a variety of movies, and a great dramatic actor throughout his career, but no one could have replaced his legacy in the family film space.
