‘Deadpool 2’s’ Zazie Beetz Set To Join Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Joker’

After Zazie Beetz’s electrifying performance as Domino in Deadpool 2, the actress is now in talks to join Joaquin Phoenix in the upcoming Joker origin movie next year. Beetz is being eyed to play Joker’s love interest in the film, a single mom who falls in love with a man who is set to become the Clown Prince of Crime after a brutal beating.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news about Beetz’s possible casting today during the San Diego Comic-Con. Yesterday, it was announced that Joker would premiere during fall next year. It is said to be a low-budget but darker and more grounded story that’s based on Alan Moore’s 1988 graphic novel “The Killing Joke.” That said, it looks like the movie will follow the crime genre rather than the campy, superheroics that the DC Extended Universe is known for. Joker will also exist in its own universe, apart from the continuity of Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, and Justice League.

Todd Phillips is directing, with Scott Silver penning the script. Apart from Phoenix and Beetz, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro is also being considered for a significant supporting role.

Joker will begin filming this September in New York and is slated for an October 4, 2019 release date.