Joaquin Phoenix is set to play Batman’s arch-nemesis in a new DC origins movie, which has officially been green lit by Warner Bros. The studio has released a statement confirming the project is underway.
The film will be directed by Todd Phillips, who helmed “The Hangover.”
WB also said this film is “meant to be different from comic book superhero movies.” According to the statement, the Joker origin story will be an “exploration of a man disregarded by society [that] is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.”
However, Phoenix’s Joker will be a separate standalone storyline, not connected to the DC universe depicted in “Justice League” or “Suicide Squad.” Production of the movie is set to kick off in September and will target a 2019 release.
