Skip to content Skip to footer

Martin Scorsese is working on a new gritty ‘Joker’ 80s origin film

Warner Bros and DC Comics are looking to release another Batman Universe spin-off. According to Deadline, the spin-off will focus on the origin of Batman’s arch nemesis, The Joker.

Warner Bros. is looking to Martin Scorsese and The Hangover’s  Todd Phillips to produce the film. Phillips will also be directing the film and writing the story line with 8 Mile‘s scribe Scott Silver.

A very odd combination of creatives indeed. Perhaps it’s the perfect group for the setting in which the movie will be placed.

The studio is looking to depict Gotham in an ’80s environment. According to Deadline, “The intention is to make a gritty and grounded hard-boiled crime film set in early-’80s Gotham City that isn’t meant to feel like a DC movie as much as one of Scorsese’s films from that era, like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull or The King Of Comedy.”

Interestingly, for such a notable character, The Joker has only been featured in two Batman feature flicks played by Jack Nicholson (Batman, 1989) and Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight, 2008). Jared Leto also played a light role for the character in Suicide Squad.

Peep Jack Nicholson playing The Joker …


Heath Ledger delivered an unforgettable performance…

https://youtu.be/DqcC-a5I46s


And Leto is just getting started

So, who will play the Joker in this new spin off?

With Nicholson obviously too old to play a young Joker and Heath Ledger passing away in 2008 (RIP), it seems as if Leto would be the ideal choice for the role. Nope.

According to Deadline, “this new film will launch the character with a different actor, possibly younger.” Leto will be caught up with getting ready for a Suicide Squad sequel and a Harley Quinn spin-off.

No release dates have been confirmed yet, but Silver and Phillips are said to be “writing already.” Very exciting news and definitely looking forward to seeing the trailer, cast, and roll out.

Stay tuned.