John Lithgow in Batman Jack Nicholson's Joker became a movie icon, but he wasn't the only actor seen for the role. According to a 2017 Vulture interview, John Lithgow was approached, but turned down the role in hilarious fashion. "My worst audition was for Tim Burton for Batman. I have never told anyone this story, but I tried to persuade him I was not right for the part, and I succeeded." Image Source: Everett Collection