The Joker Will Reportedly Get His Own Solo Origin Film Courtesy Of Martin Scorsese And The Director Of ‘The Hangover’

Batman nemesis and 2016’s Edgelord of the Year The Joker is getting the spotlight to himself in a future film. At least, that’s where things seem to be headed.

Deadline reports that a Joker spinoff film is in its early stages with some behind-the-scenes star power helping usher the motion picture to the big screen. The film is being designed as a showcase for The Joker’s origin story and is being used as a launching point for a set of films under a new WB/DC banner that will “expand the canon of DC properties and create unique storylines with different actors playing the iconic characters.” Sounds like a bit of a big deal.

Todd Phillips, director of Old School and The Hangover trilogy, is reportedly at the helm for the film and is co-writing the script. Martin Scorsese is said to be serving as a producer on the project, although The Hollywood Reporter claims the Scorsese connection is far from guaranteed.

According to Deadline, the vision for the movie is a “gritty and grounded hard-boiled crime film set in early-’80s Gotham City.” Jared Leto’s still a go for his other Warner Bros. Joker commitments, but this particular take on the character is expected to be taken on by a different actor. Probably a younger one. So, uh, if you know a spare Joker conjurer kicking around please let Todd Phillips and Warner Bros. know. Folks can be pretty particular about how they like their Joker.

Does the prospect of Todd Phillips directing a Joker origin film put a smile on your face or fill your heart with worry? Weigh in with that kneejerk reaction in the comments and we can sort this out together.

(Via Deadline)

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