Joaquin Phoenix is in consideration to play the Joker in Todd Phillips' stand-alone origin story set in Gotham City, Vanity Fair noted.
Leonardo DiCaprio was reportedly the first choice for the role, however, things did not pan out and Phillips' has since made it clear that Phoenix is his top pick. While studio negotiations are not yet underway, sources told Variety that the "Walk the Line" star has agreed to the role.
The two met before the new year to discuss the untitled movie and sources said Phillips, who will take on co-writing and directing responsibilities, was just waiting for the studio to give him the green light.
This does not mean that "Suicide Squad" actor Jared Leto has been absolved from his role as the Joker in the DC universe, insiders stressed.
It just means that Phoenix will take on the character's role in this particular movie, which will allegedly fall under a new banner of DC Comics that will broaden the studio's opportunities to branch out with side storylines not included in its cinematic universe.
Sources said the upcoming movie, which delves into the Joker's transformation into criminal mastermind, will be grittier than the more polished comic-book movies we have seen recently.
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is said to be attached as producer to the movie, which will lend inspiration from his films "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull," both of which are dark masterpieces, Comicbook.com reported.
GQ noted that Phoenix's acting style was more in vain of Heath Ledger, who played the original Joker in "Batman: The Dark Knight" and was known for his intense commitment, which is why Phillips would have picked him for the role.
And while Phoenix has turned down several other comic book cinematic roles including Lex Luthor in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," according to Variety, it would seem that he is keen to experiment with the Joker's character.
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