Martin Scorsese to produce 'gritty' Joker origins movie, directed by The Hangover's Todd Phillips
Unrelated to Jared Leto's version of the character
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There’s a current deluge of superhero movies hitting cinemas. Why? Because they’re basically money trees, even the worst offenders (Suicide Squad/Batman v Superman) making huge profits.
Perhaps, then, we shouldn’t be surprised that one of Hollywood’s greatest — Martin Scorsese — wants some of the action.
Various trade publications, including Deadline, have reported that Warner Bros and DC are working with Scorsese to produce a Joker origins tale, directed by The Hangover’s Todd Phillips and written by 8 Mile’s Scott Silver.
The reports detail a “gritty and grounded hard-boiled crime film set in early-’80s Gotham City” that borrows from early Scorsese flicks Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The King Of Comedy.
Jared Leto — who plays the character in Suicide Squad — will not take the title role; instead, they will source another actor, the movie being unrelated to the current DC Cinematic Universe (DCEU).
Despite seeming like another terrible idea (do we really need to know how one of the most iconic villains became a villain?) Scorsese’s involvement has given some hope in the project.
On the flip side, however, there’s already been huge outcry against Phillips directing, his most recent cinematic outings — the Hangover trilogy and War Dogs — not exactly being the most loved films of the last few years.
With the Joker movie not being part of the DCEU, a release date remains uncertain. Some publications are saying there will be a new DC banner for the film to be released under, no doubt signalling another rush of damn superhero movies to come.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments