Joaquin Phoenix in Talks to Play The Joker in Upcoming Todd Phillips' Joker Origin Film

According to Variety, Joaquin Phoenix is in talks to tackle the iconic role of the Joker in Warner Bros. and Todd Phillips' untitled Joker origin movie. Todd Phillips has made it clear that Phoenix is the top choice for the role, though studio negotiations are not yet underway. Sources have told Variety that Phoenix has agreed to the role. WB has yet to comment. Phillips is set to co-write and direct the film.

Scott Silver is joining Todd Phillips as a co-writer on the film, which will dive into the Joker's backstory and the circumstances that led him to become a mastermind criminal. The story is rumored to take place in the '80s and have more of the look of a gritty crime drama than comic-book movie.

This movie is set to fall under a yet-to-be-announced new banner of DC Comics, which would give the studio the opportunity to expand the canon of the iconic comic-book characters with unique story angles that aren't included in its current cinematic universe. Jared Leto most recently played the Joker in "Suicide Squad" and is likely to reprise that role in "Suicide Squad 2," but will not be featured in this film.

Joaquin Phoenix is an American actor, producer, music video director, musician, and activist. For his work as an actor, Phoenix has received a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and has three Academy Award and British Academy Film Award nominations. Phoenix is known for performances in Ladder 49, Walk The Line, and The Master.

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