Joker origins: Joaquin Phoenix in talks to play titular villain in Martin Scorsese-produced DC movie
Jared Leto recently portrayed the character in Suicide Squad
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Joaquin Phoenix has reportedly entered talks to play the Joker in Warner Bros. as-yet-untitled origin movie for the villainous character.
With Todd Phillips scheduled to direct, the spin-off would be unrelated to Suicide Squad, which featured Jared Leto as the Joker.
According to Variety, Phillips has named Phoenix as the number one choice for the role, with the actor having reportedly agreed to star.
The pair met before the new year and are apparently awaiting the studio’s approval. Warner Bros. has decided not to comment on the situation.
Should Phoenix play the iconic character — famously depicted by Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight — that will have zero effect on Leto, who will continue to play the Joker in the DC Extended Universe (the cinematic universe with Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Aquaman etc). Instead, the Joker origins movie would fall under a completely separate and currently unnamed DC banner.
Previous reports have detailed how the movie will a “gritty and grounded hard-boiled crime film set in early-’80s Gotham City” that borrows from early Martin Scorsese flicks Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The King Of Comedy — the iconic director having signed on to produce. For a time Leonardo DiCaprio was the first choice for the role.
Meanwhile, DC continue to work on other projects, the next being Aquaman, set for release in December this year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments