Joker Movie Starring Joaquin Phoenix Officially in Production

According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Joaquin Phoenix (Signs, HER) is set to star in a new Joker film. The film will focus on the origin story behind Batman’s arch-nemesis, and Phoenix will be taking the role of the Joker.

The unnamed project hasn’t been given a release window, but filming is set to begin this year in September in New York. Depending on the actors, the film could release as early as next year. Todd Phillips (Old School, the Hangover franchise) is set to direct, and he co-wrote the script with Scott Silver (8 Mile, The Fighter). While a larger synopsis has not been given, Warner Brothers describes it as an “exploration of a man disregarded by society is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.”

The Phoenix-led Joker film is rumored to be the beginning of the “DC Black” or “DC Dark” series, a slate of darker films unconnected with the already established DCEU universe. These darker films may be inspired by DC’s Black Label, their new line of darker comics and graphic novels. But its darker tone isn’t the only thing that sets the film apart from its superhero brethren. Its budget is around the $55 million range, which is significantly lower than the other films in the genre.

Jared Leto is rumored to have a Joker spin-off film in the works as well, and as of right now, it appears that both are currently in development. Because the two films technically place in two different universes, Leto will continue to play Joker in Suicide Squad 2 or their spin-offs, Gotham City Sirens and Birds of Prey. Obviously, the two Joker will go forward at different times. Hopefully.

Feeling a little burned out from all the Joker films? Or are you looking forward to Phoenix’s take on the supervillain? Let us know in the comments below, and keep coming back to The Nerd Stash for all of your nerdy news and needs!