Joaquin Phoenix-Led Joker Film Gets Official Title and Release Date

After being greenlit by Warner Bros. last week, the Joker origin film starring Joaquin Phoenix is officially underway—with a title and release date finally locked in. Simply titled Joker, the darker and grittier (and possibly more grounded) take on Batman’s archnemesis is slated for an October 4, 2019 release date.

With production for Joker starting this fall, the studio is gearing up for a slew of DC films that don’t follow the “Extended Universe” continuity. Suicide Squad’s Joker (played by Jared Leto) is also getting his solo movie, but this one belongs in the cinematic universe where the Justice League currently exists in.

Todd Phillips is attached to direct Joker, with a script written by Scott Silver. Compared to the other DC films since 2013’s Man of Steel, this origin movie will only be a mid-budget production—significantly lower than any of the DCEU movies to date. Joker is also said to draw massive inspiration from Alan Moore’s 1988 graphic novel “The Killing Joke,” where it tells the origin of the famous Batman villain. Many consider Moore’s story as the definitive Joker origin story, what with its dark themes and the character’s inconclusive beginnings.

Casting is officially underway, with Robert De Niro being eyed for a supporting role according to That Hashtag Show. The Hollywood legend is reportedly being considered to play the role of Murray Franklin. The report also goes on to say that the studio is “creating an entirely new Joker mythology, apart from DC Comics.” Academy Award winner Frances McDormand was also tapped to play Joker’s mother, but the actress reportedly turned it down.

There are no other details for Joker at the moment, but more will surely come out soon, especially with the San Diego Comic-Con coming this weekend.