"Joker" is ready to kill you with laughter — literally.

The final trailer has dropped for the dark, gritty drama from director Todd Phillips, which stars Phoenix as failed comedian Arthur Fleck. He's a troubled soul — beaten down, made fun of, and constantly harassed until he begins to descend into madness.

Dressed as a clown, he encounters violent thugs on the streets of Gotham City, leading to his transformation into a criminal mastermind.

The film's brooding tone has already been compared to Martin Scorsese's "The King of Comedy" and "Taxi Driver." (And in a nod to the former film, "Joker" features Robert De Niro as talk show host whom Arthur idolizes.)

It's definitely a different take on the superhero/villain genre than anything we've seen before.

s Conroy also star.

"Joker" will make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this weekend. It will open in theaters October 4.