Willem Dafoe was first choice for Joker in 1989’s ‘Batman’

London: Jack Nicholson wouldn’t have landed the role of The Joker in 1989`s Batman movie had Willem Dafoe not declined director Tim Burton`s offer.

It has emerged that the ‘Spider-Man’ star was Burton``s first choice for the iconic part opposite Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader. While the role eventually went to the ‘Shining’ star, Dafoe has admitted that the movie could have been very different had he agreed to work on the superhero film. "Very early, they talked to me about playing (The Joker in) Batman,” The Daily Express quoted him as telling MTV.com. Dafoe did not sign up for ‘Batman’ and later impressed comic book fans by portraying Norman Osborn and his villain alter ego, the Green Goblin, in the ‘Spider-Man’ movies. ANI