At this point, the Joker has seen more reinventions than even Batman. Jack Nicholson’s take was actually hilarious, and truly captivating. Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance still holds up today. And then there’s Joaquin Phoenix, whose portrayal will forever change the way we look at one of the most iconic characters in comic book history. Cosplay queen and Playboy model Princess April’s take on this Joker is amazing, to say the least.
Why Princess April Loves Todd Phillips’ Joker
“I love his revolutionary, for-the-people energy,” Princess April told Playboy. “He’s chaotic and misunderstood, but at his core, there’s this undeniable power in how he represents rebellion. I love that his character sparks something—whether it’s admiration, fear, or a call to action.”
Princess April’s Joker cosplay comprises of a handful of different pieces strung together to make something more special than the sum of its parts. The top is a Whitney Emerald Green Cami, a Vivienne Westwood pearled necklace, a thrifted red robe dress, and white pacer stripper heels. April’s approach for the vibe of the cosplay was “Sexy Joker glam with stolen treasure energy.” Like many of Joker’s enemies, this cosplay is flawlessly executed.
“There’s something so fun about taking an iconic character like Joker and putting a bold, feminine twist on it—still keeping that edge but with a little glam,” Princess April says. “Plus, Joker is just so cool.”
Who is Todd Phillips’ Joker?
At this point, there are almost as many Jokers as there are Spider-men, multi-verses not withstanding. The original DC Comics Joker doesn’t have an official backstory. Sure, he bandies about stories, but the guy is a fairly unreliable narrator, which Heath Ledger harkened to in his performance in The Dark Knight. Joker actually goes through the trouble of giving the villain an official origin in Arthur Fleck.
Fleck is a poor, mentally unstable stand-up comedian who’s fallen through the cracks of a crumbling system. This played-as-seriously-as-possible portrayal is easily the most eerie, because it strips the character of any lingering comic book goofiness. Phoenix dedicated himself heartily to the role, even losing 52 pounds to look as wiry and gaunt as possible.
Despite some initial controversy ahead of its release, Joker became a commercial and critical success, netting more than a billion in box office returns. It even got a sequel in 2024’s Joker: Folie à Deux, which failed to garner the same critical and financial success.
Princess April is on The Playboy Club. Talk to her now.
