Joaquin Phoenix in talks for ‘The Joker’ film

Back in August we reported that Todd Philips was working on a solo Joker film set outside the current DC Films slate. With production support from none other than Martin Scorsese the film looked set to be a gangster epic and much more grounded than the Joker seen in Suicide Squad.

Now comes a new report from Variety points to Warner Bros. having potentially found its Joker. The trade reports that Joaquin Phoenix is in early talks with the production team to take on the lead role. Whilst it is reported that negotiations are not underway it is pointed out that he has verbally agreed to appear in the film.

Whilst its sad that Jared Leto may not get to appear in this character piece there’s no doubting Phoenix’s acting abilities. The movie is still said to fall under a yet-to-be-announced new banner of DC Comics, which would give the studio the opportunity to explore different avenues with characters already appearing in the main DC Films universe. It also provides the opportunity to take characters on wild (i.e. Elseworlds) tangents without endangering the main continuing.

Jared Leto is still believe to be suiting up as The Joker for Suicide Squad 2 when that film enters production later this year.