Joaquin Phoenix Is Set To Take On The Role Of Iconic Batman Villain, The Joker

There's a new villain in town and his name is Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix has signed on to play The Joker in a new origin movie from Warner Bros. Shooting is set to start in New York in September.

Todd Phillips is directing the film and co-wrote the script, which the studio describes as being an “exploration of a man disregarded by society [that] is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.” Scott Silver co-wrote the script.

While no release date has been set, there is a chance that the movie could be ready for release as early as late 2019, depending on various factors. Warners has a possible second Joker movie in the works as Jared Leto, who played the character in Suicide Squad, now has his own solo film project in development.