It’s officially a go for the Joker movie at Warner Bros.
After it was reported that Joaquin Phoenix was in talks to play Batman’s arch-nemesis, Variety now reports that the deal has been finalized and the studio gave a green light and a September start date for the production.
The Joker origin movie is helmed by director Todd Phillips who also co-wrote the script alongside Scott Silver. The film has been described by the studio as an “exploration of a man disregarded by society [that] is not only a gritty character study but also a broader cautionary tale.” Sources also say the story will take place in the ’80s
Interestingly there’s another Joker project happening currently, starring Jared Leto who portrayed the criminal mastermind in Suicide Squad. Leto has been tapped to be back for the sequel, as well as, a standalone Joker movie, separate from Phoenix’s.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the project’s budget is in the $55 million range and could be ready for release as early as late 2019.
