How’s this for a bit of superhero news: Three-time Oscar nomineeJoaquin Phoenixis in talks to play The Joker in a standalone DC movie for Warner Bros. Yes indeed,Varietyreports that theInherent Vicestar has entered talks to leadthe untitled Joker origin movieco-written and directed byTodd Phillips, the filmmaker behindWar DogsandThe Hangovertrilogy. Per the trade, Phoenix was Phillips’ top choice to star and after thinking it over, the actor has agreed to the role. Although now studio negotiations must begin, so this is far from a done deal.
Indeed, talks fell apart with Phoenix’s last brush with the superhero genre. The actor was in extensive talks to lead Marvel Studios’Doctor Strangefor directorScott Derrickson, buthe ended up backing outover concerns about the extensive press requirements that come with signing on to a Marvel movie. Although given Phoenix’s caliber and the position Warner Bros. is in with its DC properties, one imagines concessions could definitely made for the press-shy actor as a stipulation of signing onto this project.
We first learned of Phillips’ Joker movie last year, when word broke that a new banner was being formed at Warner Bros. to created DC Comics adaptations that would exist outside the continuity of the DC Extended Universe. This is howJared Letocan still reprise his role as The Joker inSuicide Squad 2without infringing upon this project, and how Phillips is able to lure actors of Phoenix’s caliber. Since these movies aren’t necessarily made to be franchises but instead ambitious one-offs, Phoenix may not have to sign an extensive contract that ties him to franchise obligations for years on end.
Leonardo DiCapriowas the first actor approachedfor this role, but that casting didn’t work out. The take for this Joker origin story is a 1980s-set gritty crime drama, more in the vein ofTaxi Driverthan a superhero movie. The story will delve into “what it took for the Joker to become a mastermind criminal.”
While reports swirled thatMartin Scorsesewas in talks to produce this film, he’s not mentioned in Variety’s most recent story so one imagines that’s either still in the works or won’t be panning out. Regardless,Scott Silverworking with Phillips as co-writer on what has now become one of the most interesting DC projects Warner Bros. currently has in the works.
As for Phoenix, he has theGus Van SantdramedyDon’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot, the critically hailed thrillerYou Were Never Really Here, and the in-limbo Weinstein Company dramaMary Magdalene—in which he plays Jesus—in the can right now.
Other “standalone” DC movies have yet to be announced, but in the DCEU Warner Bros. hasShazam!currently filming,Aquamanin the can, andSuicide Squad 2,Flashpoint, andWonder Woman 2in active development to start production within the next year or so. But if this casting works out, it’s quite possible Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker movie might eclipse them all.
For a complete list of upcoming DC movies currently in the works,click here.
