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 Knight before 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:
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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.
Topics: Batman, Celebrity, DC Comics, Film and TV, Heath Ledger
Katherine Sidnell