Joaquin Phoenix is in early talks to the play Joker in Todd Phillips’ “Joker” origin movie, an individual with knowledge of the project tells TheWrap.
Phoenix met with Phillips last year, but it hasn’t moved beyond that as insiders caution that no negotiations or deal are in place. According to insiders, Leonardo DiCaprio and Joaquin Phoenix were always the top choices and DiCaprio met numerous times with Phillips about the role.
The project is expected to be part of a yet-to-be-announced new banner under DC Films that will give Warner Bros. the opportunity to expand its comic book canon with unique stories focusing on these characters outside of the DC Extended Universe.