Sorry, Jared Leto Fans: Joaquin Phoenix in Talks to Star in Joker Movie
People weren't necessarily thrilled to hear that the Joker is Jared Leto isn't reprising the role in this particular project, another Academy Award winner is poised to take over.
Leonardo DiCaprio was previously said to be in consideration.
Fans like the idea of Phoenix as the Joker, if Twitter activity is any indication. Although a lot of people are still wary of the project, news of Phoenix's potential involvement has done a lot to quell their aversion.
If The Joker is going to be the star of his own film, that Joaquin Phoenix is really the best actor to portray him. If anyone can carry a film as the villain, then he definitely can. And he'd fit the role so much. Plus it's Joaquin, so of course I'm gonna be hyping this. pic.twitter.com/NlzTgvowA7
— Matt (@arealhumanbean_) February 8, 2018
I can't be mad about Joaquin for the Joker, but I would have went with Michael Shannon. Now I know you all want it to. Glad I could help. pic.twitter.com/977lta49I0
— Bradley Milne (@Darbmilne) February 8, 2018
Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker? Yes please.
— Reece Procter (@reece_procter) February 8, 2018
Jared Leto stans are furious today. I love Jared Leto but Leonardo DiCaprio & Joaquin Phoenix are huge upgrades. Sorry. I don't make the rules. #TheJoker
— Jesabel (@JesabelRaay) February 8, 2018
The Joker movie could be exactly what DC needs right now. A grounded standalone film starring an Academy Award-nominated actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and produced by an Academy Award-winning filmmaker (Martin Scorcese). pic.twitter.com/KyS1jSEzST
— ???? JOKER MOVIE ???? (@Sporraw) February 8, 2018
Joaquin Phoenix, formerly in talks for Lex Luthor, Stephen Strange, and DJ from THE LAST JEDI. Now he's apparently interested in the Joker movie. Wild.
— Dan Doherty (@CASHEWJUlCE) February 8, 2018
I still have an issue that Todd Philips is directing this Joker movie but having Joaquin as The Joker might get me interested into this movie.
— Rron R2 is... (you can fill the rest) (@rron007) February 8, 2018
Joaquin Pheonix as The Joker, cool.
A Joker origin movie. No thanks.
Just have him replace Jared Leto.
— Nolan Dean (@nolandean27) February 8, 2018
Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker? Sign me up. Great casting. pic.twitter.com/9uDAZyvURk
— ???? JOKER MOVIE ???? (@Sporraw) February 8, 2018
Phillips, along with Scott Silver, is writing the film, and it will explore the Joker's path to becoming the twisted villain that he is. It will be set in the '80s, according to Variety's sources. What's unclear to us is how much of an origin story this will be given Phoenix's age. Apparently, we'll have to wait and see. So far, the film does not yet have a release date.
