After months of speculation and coy denials, it was finally confirmed yesterday that Joaquin Phoenix has signed on to play the Clown Prince of Crime in Todd Phillips' Joker origin movie. It's exciting to see Joaquin Phoenix finally tackling a comic book character by coming aboard this intriguing project, and there are plenty of reasons to think that he is the perfect fit for the character. Now that it is finally confirmed, we can start getting properly excited about this film, and that includes imagining what a Joaquin Phoenix Joker will look like. If your imagination isn't that powerful and you'd like a visual aid, take a gander below:
As always, BossLogic's artwork does a good job at getting us more hyped than we already were. This Joker movie seems to be aiming to be pretty dark, and this picture reflects that tone. Here Joaquin Phoenix's Joker is sneering, coming off as both bitter and pensive. The makeup is also cool and unique, maintaining Joker's smile even as he frowns, but going lighter on the dark eyes. Jared Leto's Joker's was very noticeable by his tattoos, including one that said "Damaged", but in this design, Joaquin Phoenix's Joker actually is damaged, with his pale skin looking like a concrete wall that has been worn away and chipped at. He also has a great suit and tie combo that looks different from what his predecessors wore.
A lot of times fans don't believe in an actor for a role until they see them in it, most famously when Heath Ledger was cast as The Joker. And while this isn't an official image or anything, this artwork still gives us an idea of how the Oscar-nominated Joaquin Phoenix could look in the role. I really dig this interpretation, and it just goes to show that even though Joaquin Phoenix will be the fifth actor to portray the villain in live action, a new actor and character design can make the Joker new again.
Todd Phillips' Joker origin movie may begin filming as soon as September, and with a low budget of around $55 million. We still don't know much about it beyond that, like whether it is going for an R rating or what exactly the story will be. There is also the fact that this non-DCEU DC film will inevitably muddy the waters a bit with all of the titles Jared Leto's Joker has been rumored to appear in. Hopefully we'll find out more about this project and get some clarification at San Diego Comic-Con next week, so stay tuned. Filming hasn't even started, so it's too early for any stills or teasers, but I would love to see some concept art and hear their vision to get an idea of what direction Todd Phillips' film is taking.
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