Since unveiling the first look at Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur aka The Joker, director Todd Phillips has since gone on to reveal the first test video of his transformation as his alto-ego.
Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Phillips simply said “Camera test (w/ sound). Joker.”
Todd Phillips is taking the helm of the standalone movie. He has also co-written the script with 8 Mile and The Fighter scribe Scott Silver. Robert De Niro will be making an appearance in a pivotal role as a talk show host who is somehow instrumental in the Joker’s origin. The casting news doesn’t stop there Frances Conroy – who has starred in American Horror Story and Young Sheldon – is also in talks to play The Joker’s mother, Penny. Zazie Beetz, Marc Maron, Robert De Niro and Josh Pais are also onboard for the film.
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Said to be set in 1980’s Gotham City. It will also have a much darker tone than the current set in the DC Cinematic Universe, and with a smaller budget than most Comic book films. Word on the street also says Phillips Joker will be an exploration of a man disregarded by society. Shaping up to be a gritty character study but also a broader cautionary tale.
Warner Bros. has said the Phoenix feature will have no effect on its DC Universe, which saw Jared Leto playing the Joker in “Suicide Squad.” The studio is also developing its own standalone Joker film that will star Leto.
Filming has already commenced. The film is due to be released October 2019
