Joaquin Phoenix has reportedly closed his deal to play The Joker in a new DC Comics-inspired standalone film which is set to begin shooting in New York in September for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Todd Phillips (The Hangover) is directing from a script he co-wrote with Scott Silver with the budget said to be in the $55 million range. The story is said to be set in the 1980 and is described as “an exploration of a man disregarded by society [that] is not only a gritty character study but also a broader cautionary tale.”
The tone is said to be much more of a gritty crime drama than a tentpole superhero movie, fitting as this film is NOT a part of the DC Extended Universe populated by the likes of Man of Steel, Wonder Woman and Batman v Superman.
No release date for the project has yet been set, though a late 2019 release could happen, if all goes to plan.
