If a new report is to be believed Warner Bros.’ Joker origin movie will portray the clown as a failed 1980s comedian. TheWrap report, citing an insider source close to the development of the film, claims that Batman’s arch-nemesis will become the clown prince of crime after bombing time and again by audiences.
Comic book readers who’ve already read Joker’s origin stories in Alan Moore’s classic graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke wouldn’t be much surprised by the news. Interestingly, the Todd Phillips directed Joker origin film will also take inspiration from Scorsese’s 1982 film, King of Comedy, which starred Robert De Niro whose character is a failed comedian. As per TheWrap report, this could be the reason behind Martin Scorsese’s involvement in the project as an executive producer.
The upcoming movie will be set in the 1980s against the backdrop of a gritty Gotham City underworld. Co-written by Phillips and Scott Silver, the film will likely get some inspiration from Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. The untitled Joker origin film is scheduled to start production in May. Last month, Tracking Board’s Jeff Sneider posted a document online that featured the project’s logline and listed a start date of May 1.
As far as the film’s cast is concerned, Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix is reportedly in the final stages of talks with Warner Bros. and Todd Phillips to play the Joker in the character origin movie. It is confirmed that Jared Leto, who debuted as The Joker in 2016’s Suicide Squad, won’t be starring in the upcoming film since it is part of a new DC banner. Neither Phoenix nor the film studio has yet confirmed if he has been finalized for the role.
To recall, Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s highly-celebrated Batman film, The Dark Knight, was one of the most memorable roles of his career. The iconic role got him a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2009.
More news and updates about the Joker origin movie are expected to pour in as the movie heads closer to production this May.
Also from early January. I could literally post this shit all day but I CHOOSE NOT TO. Because I care less and less with each passing day. pic.twitter.com/3TqUU1h1Tq
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) February 20, 2018
Source: The Wrap
