The upcoming Joker movie starring Joaquin Phoenix is about to add another very big name. Robert De Niro. Yes, you read that correctly. De Niro is set to do his first comic book movie, and the fact that Martin Scorsese is producing the film probably played a very big factor in getting the actor to take a look at the part. Not much is currently known about the character he will be playing, but it’s said to be a very important one.
Per the THR report:
Robert De Niro is ready to do his first comic book movie. The veteran actor is in negotiations to join Joaquin Phoenix in Warner Bros.’ upcoming Joker stand-alone movie from The Hangover helmer Todd Phillips.
While plot details are largely unknown, the stand-alone is supposed to be set in Gotham City in the early 1980s. If a deal is made, De Niro would play a talk show host who is somehow instrumental in the Joker’s origin.
Joaquin Phoenix recently revealed that the role terrifies him, saying:
“I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I’m gonna work on always. So, in some ways, the process, which is obviously reading a script and meeting a filmmaker and then continuing to have meetings and discussions with Todd [Phillips]. I think he’s very impressive and he seems to have a very interesting understanding of this world and what he’s trying to say. And so there is something very appealing about that and working with him on this particular project.
It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly, it scares the fucking shit out of me or something. It might as well be the thing that scares you the most.”
Joker is set to be released on October 4th, 2019.
What do you think of this news? Are you excited to see De Niro in a comic book film? Be sure to tell us all of your thoughts in the comments down below!