DC Comics’ classic Joker character has been confirmed to be getting a prequel film that will explain the formation of his clownish villain debauchery, with the title role being played by Joaquin Phoenix. This new film will be the Golden Globe winner’s first role playing a comic book character.
The Hollywood Reporter states the new film will be “darker and more experimental, different from other comic book superhero movies.”
The villain was last played by Jared Leto in 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” but more importantly by the late Heath Ledger in 2008’s “The Dark Knight.”
Filming is rumored to begin in New York in September and be carried out under the directorial gaze of Todd Phillips (“The Hangover”) with an estimated budget upwards of $50 million.
Phoenix recently starred in 2018 comedy “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot” about disabled cartoonist John Callahan. His more famous roles include a Grammy-winning performance of Johnny Cash in 2005’s “Walk the Line,” 2013’s AI sci-fi drama “Her” which found him falling in love with a computer, as well as Ridley Scott’s 2000 epic “Gladiator” and 2002’s “Signs.”
