The first trailer for the latest highly-anticipated Batman movie, “Joker,” has been released. Directed by Todd Phillips for distribution by Warners Bros., the latest take on superhero Batman’s longtime foe focuses on the villain’s origin story. The sadistic clown who goes by the name Arthur Fleck in his regular life will be portrayed by a deliciously creepy Joaquin Phoenix.
The movie is not part of the larger DC extended superhero universe. Rather, the film is meant to be part of a series of stand-alone movies about classic DC characters like Batman. Check out the new official teaser in the clip below:
The trailer paints the Joker as a tragic character who, despite his mother’s guidance to always “smile and put on a happy face,” is currently facing difficult times and dealing with mental illness.
“Is it just me, or is it getting crazier out there?” Phoenix’s Joker says in the trailer.
The film is co-produced by Martin Scorsese and is reported to be inspired by his previous films about suffering characters who are driven to madness, such as “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy,” which both star Robert DeNiro. DeNiro also stars in “Joker.”
Other stars include comedian Marc Maron, Zazie Beetz (“Atlanta”) and Frances Conroy (“Six Feet Under,” “American Horror Story”).
Describing “Joker” as dark surely seems like an understatement! Phoenix’s Joker says in the trailer that he now understands his life is a comedy, not a tragedy. But most fans know there’s going to be a definite edge in the drama to be depicted on screen. Still, Phillips was able to weigh in on the topic himself recently.
“It’s a tragedy,” Phillips told exhibitors at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 2. “I don’t have a lot to say about the film because it’s still taking shape. And I want it to be a surprise.”
The film is set to hit theaters on October 4, 2019. Do you plan to catch it?