When it was first announced that director Todd Phillips was doing a standalone movie about the origin story of Batman’s nemesis, we all got very excited. Then very confused almost immediately. The DCEU already has a Joker in Jared Leto’s Crown Prince of Crime from Suicide Squad – some fans may wish this was all a bad dream, but he’s right there. So what gives?
As was soon revealed, Phillips’ effort would be a completely separate effort from the existing cinematic comic book universe. In fact, it’s hard to even call this a comic book movie as Phillips revealed to Empire that he was doing his own thing completely when it came to this take on the Joker, even if it may upset some fans.
We didn’t follow anything from the comic books, which people are gonna be mad about. We just wrote our own version of where a guy like Joker might come from. That’s what was interesting to me. We’re not even doing Joker, but the story of becoming Joker. It’s about this man.
With so many fans – myself included – being of the opinion that the Joker of DC Comics should never have a definitive origin story, this approach may actually be a better one. He’s not the Joker. He’s a Joker.
In this case, he’s Arthur Fleck, described by the official blurb as a “failed comedian” who is “disregarded by society” and “begins a slow dissent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.” And for Phillips and his creative team, there was only ever one pick as to who would portray this character: Three-time Oscar nominee Jaoquin Phoenix.
I think he’s the greatest actor. We had a photo of him above our computer while we were writing. We constantly thought, ‘God, imagine if Joaquin actually does this.’
Joker also stars Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Marc Maron, Bill Camp, Glenn Fleshler, Shea Whigham, Brett Cullen, Douglas Hodge, and Josh Pais. It is scheduled for release on 4 October 2019.
Last Updated: July 10, 2019
Yahtzee
July 10, 2019 at 11:00
It’s fine. Netflix and Disney also have trouble reading and understanding source material.
RinceThis
July 10, 2019 at 23:35
Yeah. Like all those stupid marvel movies. Hahaha
Yahtzee
July 11, 2019 at 09:17
Indeed. Those things are a lost cause
Admiral Chief Umbra
July 10, 2019 at 11:09
Let’s hope he finally gets that elusive Oscar
Dr Webster Flexington
July 10, 2019 at 14:26
He’s been robbed of that dumb statue for years – fortunately the awards don’t have the same clout any more. It’s kind of like the Miss South Africa pageant now. I don’t even know or care who the current Miss SA is, nor do I care about the next.
Allykhat
July 10, 2019 at 11:59
I hope the film does well, but it’s gonna be a hard pass for me.
Pariah
July 10, 2019 at 13:40
It’s funny, precisely BECAUSE it’s not based on the comics, I’m now interested in the film. Jaoquin is intense and I love his performances.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
July 10, 2019 at 13:47
This man knows what’s up
HvR
July 10, 2019 at 14:33
That would fine IF it was part of DCEU as well.
But just a separate standalone film feels meh. But we can probably thank Suicide Suck for that not happening
Pariah
July 10, 2019 at 14:46
Again, that just makes me happier. I’ve never been a fan of the DC movies, nor the series. I’m not into comics at all so I’ve no interest in that part either.
It’s a win for me.
Allykhat
July 10, 2019 at 14:09
100% I get what you’re saying.
Personally though, I want THE Joker movie. Not A Joker movie. I wasn’t really sold on this one to start off with given what we saw, not really into the vibe of it. After this info though its something I may only watch as background noise while I play Adventure Communist on my phone.
Judging a book by its cover? Oh yes. Could I be wrong and it turns out to be a brilliant movie? Also yes. Will I cave and watch it? Eh.
Pariah
July 10, 2019 at 14:10
I’m very willing to bet that your stance is shared by the vast majority of people who’d be interested in this film, while mine is the opposite, so yeah no issues my side. Watch what you enjoy, fuck the rest.
Dr Webster Flexington
July 10, 2019 at 14:25
Same here, also Joaquin Phoenix has yet to let me down. The guy is an amazing actor..
HvR
July 10, 2019 at 12:07
Sounds so generic it might as well be a John Wayne Gacy biopic
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41U37KKlo9L.jpg
Dr Webster Flexington
July 10, 2019 at 14:26
A proper John Wayne Gacy movie could be freaking awesome.
RinceThis
July 10, 2019 at 23:35
Eh? Boy. You high?
Original Heretic
July 10, 2019 at 13:12
Next, do a movie about The Batman Who Laughs.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
July 10, 2019 at 13:47
Definitely my most anticipated movie. Actually my only anticipated movie since i’m not such a movie buff.
Dr Webster Flexington
July 10, 2019 at 14:18
I like the cut of his jib. Sometimes to do something truly spectacular you have to swim upstream or even close to the sun. You have to take a risk, and MAYBE it’ll pay off – unless you’re Rian Johnson (Fuck that guy)…
I think Todd might just pull it off. I’ll be holding my thumbs, because a fresh take on the Joker could be something very interesting.
RinceThis
July 10, 2019 at 23:35
This. This actually makes me excited about the crazy joker.