Here’s a hell of an opener.
A Joker origin story could be in the works at DC with Martin Scorsese possibly producing and Todd Phillips (The Hangover) in the director’s chair.
Scott Silver (8 Mile) would be co-writing with Phillips. Suicide Squad’s Jared Leto will not return for this iteration of the character.
The movie would take place in the 80’s and will be more of a smaller crime movie than a big superhero extravaganza. DC might be launching its own banner for these smaller movies based on their big characters.
Deadline, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter each have their sources with their own slightly different bits of information.
Variety said Phillips is in talks to co-write and direct the movie with Scorsese in talks to have some sort of role.
Deadline said Phillips is set for co-scripting and directing duties. Scorsese is set to produce with Phillips.
And THR said Phillips is set to co-write the script and possibly direct. Scorsese is in talks to produce.
The three news stories share Silver as the co-writer, the 80’s setting, no Jared Leto and the smaller scope that DC might also try out for more characters. Variety adds that that smaller crime drama purview “had a lot to do with getting Scorsese’s commitment to the project.”
The list of DC movies seems to grow bigger each day. Justice League comes out Nov. 17, Aquaman on Dec. 21, 2018 and Wonder Woman 2 on Dec. 13, 2019. In development, there’s The Batman and Flashpoint as well as movies based on Batgirl, Green Lantern Corps, Justice League Dark, and Shazam on the way. Here’s hoping a Scorsese-produced Joker crime drama origin story is also on that list!
