Does anybody know what Warner Bros’ plans are at this point? First, it looked like the DCEU was in a sh*thole. But after the success of Wonder Woman and with the addition of Joss Whedon to help direct Justice League, it looked like Warner Bros and the DCEU was finally getting their act together. But then, out of nowhere, they announce this? What is going on??!!
In an exclusive report by Deadline, Warner Bros and DC are currently working on another Batman spinoff movie, this time focusing on the origin story of the signature villain The Joker. And, it will be produced by Martin Freaking Scorsese! Sounds great, right? Only, it isn’t as straightforward as that.
Crazy sh*t number 1: This Joker origin story will be set in the 80s and will not be played by Jared Leto.
Crazy sh*t number 2: This Joker origin story will NOT be a part of the DCEU.
This does not make any sense. If the whole issue on whether or not the Venom movie will be a part of the MCU is confusing enough, this is far worse. It’s easier to digest the fact that Venom is not part of the MCU, because after all, the MCU is owned by Disney, while Venom is owned by Sony. Plus, there’s only going to be ONE Venom on the big screen in this current period. The situation with Warner Bros is far more complicated as Jared Leto is the established Joker of the now and is part of the DCEU. He has already signed on to continue playing the character in Suicide Squad 2 and Gotham City Sirens. To have another Joker, also under the Warner Bros/DC banner but not a part of the DCEU is going to be difficult to digest, even for hardcore fans, what more casual audiences.
The question is, “why?” Why not make a Joker movie that’s set in the DCEU?
It’s important to note that everything that’s mentioned above has got nothing to do with the QUALITY of the film. The Joker origin story is set to be penned by Todd Phillips — The Hangover — and Scott Silver — 8 Mile — and will be directed by Todd Philips. This could turn out to be a very, very good movie, especially considering their plans for it. As reported by Deadline, Warner Bros’ intention is to make a gritty and grounded crime drama set in the early-80s Gotham City. It isn’t meant to feel like your typical superhero movie but rather Scorsese’s classic films like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull or The King of Comedy. If this movie turns out to be half of what that movie is, then we have GOLD on our hands. It’s Warner Bros’ logic that I find baffling. Perhaps it would make more sense if it were a Netflix movie, instead.
Also, it’s important to note that Martin Scorsese isn’t DIRECTING this movie, he’s PRODUCING it. Remember, Steven Spielberg produced the Transformers films. Clearly, he wasn’t involved in those movies from a creative standpoint. At the moment, I don’t expect Martin Scorsese to have any creative influence in this Joker movie as well.
