This is Gotham, but not as you know it. There will be no Batman (unless there is a very hidden twist) and few comic book twists. Director Todd Phillips is perhaps best known for the Hangover films, but the laughs here will be much more disturbing. Telling the origin story of how a failed comedian, Arthur Fleck, descends into darkness. The film is said to be more inspired by hard-hitting Martin Scorcese urban dramas like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, than by the iconic DC comics. This is one villain who is definitely no joke.
The film has already been given a restricted R-rating in the US and is expected to explore disturbing themes.
Although Jared Leto’s Joker in the main DCEU could still potentially return to the screen, Phoenix’s Joker exists in another timeline, completely separate from the current main franchise – which is, itself, expected to undergo some changes.
The film will include the Wayne family and trusty butler Alfred, but patriarch Thomas Wayne will be portrayed in a less flattering manner.
Philips said his concept does not “follow anything from the comic books… That’s what was interesting to me. We’re not even doing Joker, but the story of becoming Joker.” However, the comedian aspect is drawn from the cult graphic comic storyline Batman: The Killing Joke.
JOKER IS OUT IN CINEMAS ON OCTOBER 4
