It's not a question of can they replace Ledger. Of course they can. It's not like there's some sort of death clause that says that they can't. It's a question of will they replace Ledger and the answer is no.

Now as for how successful a replacement would be... well let me just say that if Heath Ledger hadn't died, I do not doubt for a second that he would have gone on to be considered one of the world's most acclaimed actors.

This isn't the first time Heath Ledger has proven himself to be more than an decent actor. I was blown away by his performance in Brokeback Mountain. Seriously one of the most captivating performances I've ever seen on screen. Ever. And this isn't newly discovered praise that I'm heaping just cause he's dead. If you search back a few years, you'll be sure to find posts from me praising him to the heavens for his acting prowess. I don't think people should underestimate just how rare and gifted an actor Ledger was and really what a stunning loss he was to the film industry.

I can't think of another actor of his generation who can go toe to toe with Ledger. Sure there are plenty of really great actors out there: Leonardo DiCaprio, James McAvoy, Adrien Brody, Ryan Gosling, Ewan McGregor, Casey Affleck, Gael Garcia Bernal, etc. Even before his performance as the Joker, Ledger showed signs of genius that went beyond what his peers were doing. So who exactly can match what Ledger did, let alone raise the bar higher? I'm interested in hearing some suggestions, cause I can't think of any, although maybe an unknown might be able to do the job.

I just went back and searched for some of my thoughts on Ledger back in 2005 and I found that a lot of my praise for his performance in Brokeback Mountain can be applied to his performance in the Dark Knight. And it's so strange considering how vastly different the two roles are.

Quote Originally Posted by Miriel
I can't get over how amazing Heath Ledger was in this film. He was staggering, nothing short of staggering. I can name very few actors who could bring such intensity and passion to such a quiet and subtle role. He rivals Marlon Brando at his best, with this role.
Quote Originally Posted by Miriel
Also, yes Heath Ledger's performance was THAT good. I couldn't take my eyes off him.
Quote Originally Posted by Miriel
Ledger delved so deep into his character, that I find it almost unbelievable that he could have found his way back out again. And even then, I can't imagine that he was not a changed person for having embodied this character so fully and completely throughout those long weeks of production.
Basically, I think Ledger was a genius. Pure and simple. Someone, someday may top Ledger's Joker but for right now I can't see it being done. And I don't think they'll even try.