Todd Phillips’s upcoming Joker origin film is eyeing GLOW star Marc Maron to join its ever expanding cast. Previously announced actors in talks for the movie, which will star Joaquin Phoenix as the Clown Prince of Crime, include Robert De Niro, Frances Conroy and Zazie Beetz. The script will be written by Phillips and Scott Silver (The Fighter).
This long-rumored project has recently begun to take shape, with more and more details being revealed. Little is known of the plot thus far, but the film will take place in Gotham City in the early ‘80s and will introduce Phoenix's character as a failed comedian. The movie is set to begin shooting in September and has a scheduled release date of October 2019. At $55 million, it will have a significantly smaller budget than most modern superhero films. Joker will not be part of the unofficially titled DCEU and will instead launch the company’s new label, to be titled DC Dark or DC Black. With no less than six Joker movies currently in development, one starring Suicide Squad’s Jared Leto is still reportedly in the works.
Related: Joker Movie is the Next Evolution of Superhero Cinema
Variety reports that Marc Maron is the most recent actor in talks to join Joker. The role he is being considered for is that of a booking agent. The character description has also given insight into De Niro’s role in the film: a late night talk show host. Apparently, Maron’s agent helps Phoenix’s character land a gig on the show, and also aids in his downward spiral into madness. While many suspect this film will take its cues from Alan Moore’s seminal story, The Killing Joke, it will also take inspiration from Martin Scorsese’s 1982 movie, The King of Comedy.
Maron has earned rave reviews for his portrayal of Sam Sylvia in Netflix’s GLOW. Known for his work as a standup comic, the series has really proven his acting chops. GLOW is a fictional account of the history of GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, a female wrestling show that aired from 1986-89. GLOW just wrapped its critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated second season and though it has yet to be picked up for a third, its renewal is all but a sure thing. Considering the show has only improved in its second outing, Netflix would be foolish not to let these characters continue their journey.
Although many were dubious when Joker was announced, the strength of this stellar cast is undeniable. The DCEU appears to be distancing itself from the gritty approach that has proven so divisive among fans. Shazam! and Aquaman appear lighter in tone, with both recently dropped trailers receiving positive attention. DC’s new label will not only enable them to continue along in that vein, but also allow them to tell darker stories as well. The DCEU will never be the MCU and it was never meant to be. There is incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera moving forward on this project. Regardless of the doubt surrounding whether or not anyone really wanted this film to be made, it might just be the Joker movie we’ve all been waiting for.
More: Joaquin Phoenix's Joker Origin Movie Gets Creepy Fan Trailer
Source: Variety
Key Release Dates Aquaman (2018) release date: Dec 21, 2018 Shazam! (2019) release date: Apr 05, 2019 Wonder Woman 2 (2019) release date: Nov 01, 2019 Joker (2019) release date: Oct 04, 2019
