We’re not kidding: The Joker origin movie is in the works
This will put a smile on comicbook fans’ faces. A real smile.
The Joker is getting his own origin movie from Warner Bros. and DC Comics, with Hangover filmmaker Todd Phillips on board to write the screenplay and possibly direct.
A person familiar with the negotiations but not authorized to speak publicly confirmed the project to USA TODAY. The news was first reported by Deadline.
Scott Silver, writer of 8 Mile, will co-write the script.
No title or release date has been announced. Nor is there an actor involved to portray the iconic Batman supervillain, a role that earned Heath Ledger an Oscar for 2008’s The Dark Knight.
Jared Leto last played The Joker in 2016’s Suicide Squad and will likely continue playing the role in any sequels to the box office hit. None have been formally announced.
The new film could allow for the studio to work with new talent in the plum role, according to the studio source, and offer an opportunity to expand the canon with story angles revolving around the character.