“That guy was willing to do things that most people are not willing to do, like he’s willing to get fat; He’s willing to like almost die of starvation” – Joe Rogan‘s words on Christian Bale from a JRE episode a few years ago. Fast forward to today, he’s willing to accept the British actor is capable of much more than just weight loss and world-class acting.

The Joe Rogan Experience episode #2389 featured fellow stand-up comic Sal Vulcano in a nearly three-hour conversation on October 7. They touched on everything from comedy to culture. But one moment in particular stood out—a discussion about the elusive street artist Banksy. The world-renowned artist’s true identity remains a mystery, of course. Yet, a decade-old rumor suggesting that Academy Award-winning actor Christian Bale might be Banksy appeared to have caught Rogan off guard.

Joe Rogan wouldn’t mind if Christian Bale were Banksy 

Speaking about personalities throughout history with mysterious real identities, Vulcano recalled reading an article that suggested Christian Bale was the real Banksy. “I just clicked on something that said that Christian Bale was Banksy,” Volcano said abruptly. Although Rogan was skeptical for a second, stating, “Nah” in response, he soon gave in to the idea. 

“Well, he’s an amazing actor. That guy can do anything,” Rogan continued. When Vulcano refused to believe what he read, stating, “It can’t be. It’s bulls—t,” the UFC commentator wasn’t quite ready to part ways with the possibility. “But it would be fun if it [were],” he said. “He’s an interesting dude. You know, he drives like a 1983 Toyota Tundra or a ’93.” 

“Not even a Tundra. A Tacoma,” Rogan added during the podcast, clearly intrigued by Bale’s predilection for the car. “He’s a weird dude. Just like, ‘This is all I need. I drive this.’ He’s got a regular Toyota pickup truck.” When the show’s long-time producer Jamie Vernon interjected to reveal that the “Banksy thing was April Fool’s,” Rogan claimed he wouldn’t be shocked if it weren’t.

Rogan reveals what makes Christian Bale so unique

What made the rumors mildly believable was Bale’s chameleon-like ability to transform physically for roles. Think about his extreme weight fluctuations in ‘The Machinist’ or ‘American Hustle,’ something that mimics Banksy’s masterful anonymity. So, Joe Rogan wasn’t ready to dismiss the idea altogether. “I wouldn’t be shocked if it was, though,” he added.

“As good as that guy is, he could kind of do whatever he wants. When you get to like that level of actor, those are like weird exceptional humans. They don’t come along that often.” His praise wasn’t limited to Bale, however. “The Gary Oldmans, the Daniel Day-Lewiss, there are these people [who] become another person.”

“Those weirdos, they could do whatever they want. If he wanted to be Banksy, I would go, ‘Okay. Yeah.’ It’s not like Banksy’s making Mona Lisas everywhere.”

Having said that, it appears Joe Rogan is ready to accept Christian Bale as Banksy. But what about you? What are your thoughts on the mysterious artist’s identity?