VIDEO: Christian Bale Calls Joaquin Phoenix 'Brave' for Playing the Joker After Heath Ledger

The list of actors who have had the honor to don the black cape as Batman, along with as those who have played his villains, are impressive, but no combo was more captivating than Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and Heath Ledger as the Joker.

Not only were the actors' performances amazing, but Ledger tragically passed away after filming The Dark Knight, and won a posthumous Academy Award for his performance. Now that Joaquin Phoenix has tackled the iconic villain in Todd Phillips’ Joker, it's not crazy to wonder what Bale thinks of newest actor to tackle the part.

ComicBook.com reports that Bale stopped to talk to ET Canada while at the premiere for his new film Ford v Ferrari at the Toronto International Film Festival. In the video below, the Academy Award winner is asked for his thoughts on Phoenix’s portrayal.

Bale responds, “Joaquin is one of the best actors around, you know, and obviously I worked with Heath. You know, it’s a brave thing to follow up that performance and he always makes interesting choices.”

The 45-year-old actor adds, “Dying to see it. I wish them the best with that.”

Though it is nice that the former Batman is supportive of Phoenix, it doesn’t seem he even needs any best wishes. Phoenix’s performance in Joker is already generating Oscar buzz. You can see it when it hits theaters Oct. 4.