Last week it was confirmed that Warner Bros. and DC Films’ Joker origin film is moving ahead, with Joaquin Phoenix officially on board to portray the Clown Prince of Crime for director Todd Phillips (The Hangover).
Aside from the fact that it has been described as a gritty, 80s-set crime drama, we know very little about what Warner and DC have in store for us with the solo movie, although movie reporter Jeff Sneider is suggesting that Bruce Wayne’s father Thomas Wayne will “have a big role” in the story.
Assuming the information is accurate, it would appear to suggest that The Joker’s arch-enemy Batman will not appear in the standalone film, given that Bruce would still be a child when the story takes place (unless of course the Thomas Wayne scenes are flashbacks).
SEE ALSO: Joaquin Phoenix says his Joker movie is “unique” and not like other studio superhero movies
While The Joker has had numerous origin stories in the comics, this usually includes a confrontation with the Dark Knight as the masked criminal the Red Hood, which ultimately ends up with him falling into a vat of chemicals and completing his transformation into the iconic villain.
Will you be disappointed if Batman doesn’t play a role in the origin of The Joker, or are you excited about the prospect of a fresh take? Let us know in the comments below…