Four days into the global release, Joker has climbed the IMDb rankings and now is #9 greatest movie ever in the chart.

According to the Internet Movie Database, as known as IMDb, Joker becomes one of the greatest films ever made. Meanwhile, the vote count does not reflect critic opinions, like Rotten Tomatoes. Instead, it shows that audiences have been reacting positively to Todd Phillips’ psychological thriller, a story about Arthur Fleck’s transformation into a vengeful clown, bringing him face-to-face with his alter-ego: The Joker.

Since Joker’s wide U.S. release, the movie has already broken massive box office records. On its first Monday, Joker earned nearly $10 million during non-holiday. Joaquin Phoenix stars as the title character, Arthur Fleck, an aspiring stand-up comedian who turns to a life of crime after being humiliated, disregarded, and seemingly abandoned by a system designed to protect his mental health. Joker was intended to be a stand-alone movie, but clearly sets up a sequel with its in-universe Gotham references and final act climax. Todd Phillips’ film may not be for everyone, but those who enjoy it are making their presence known at IMDb.

At IMDb, Joker is currently the 9th highest-rated movie. The 9.0 weight average rating is based on a 1-10 system, along with more than 193,000 user votes thus far. Approximately 55% IMDb users have given Joker a 10 rating, with another 23% showing their approval with a 9. The subsequent percentages progressively go down from 8 to 2, even though it is telling that 1.4% of IMDb users have given Joker the lowest rating possible.

Currently, the IMDb score of Joker may please fans, but it is likely to decrease with time. However, that doesn’t mean the film will not be considered a classic by many, but it will also speak to how a world of moviegoers generally reacts to the movie. IMDb’s current Top 10 list reflects films that speak to societal themes about outliers and justice. For example, The Shawshank Redemption now tops the list, a movie that is primarily focused on an inmate’s quest to break free. Meanwhile, The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II are ranked at two and three, respectively, two movies that are fundamentally about crime – but more about society and family. The other slots of Top 5 include The Dark Knight, a movie that features the iconic Joker performance by Heath Ledger, and 12 Angry Men, a film about the American justice system. All of these movies have narratives about loss and redemption.

As time goes by, Joker (2019) may fall from IMDb’s Top 10 or even Top 100. And while that could be important to some fans, what truly matters is that Todd Phillips’ film continues to spark conversations about modern cinematic culture. Joker was indeed set in 1981, but the narrative parallels modern societal issues, and how some people feel like they have been forgotten and treated unfairly for one reason or another. That’s also a concept that likely correlates with the high IMDb rating. As for the violence in Joker, the depiction is not the same as endorsement.

So, how about you? Did you enjoy the movie?

Joker is now in theaters.

Joker, the new Todd Phillips-directed movie that imagines the origin story of Batman’s greatest nemesis, premiered at the Venice Film Festival this weekend. The film has already been met with mostly positive reactions. Starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role, Joker now has a score up on Rotten Tomatoes. And it is living Fresh at 89% as of this writing.

(Photo: Rotten Tomatoes – September 4, 2019)

Joker tells the story of Arthur Fleck, a middle-aged man who lives with his mother and has a humiliating day job as a sign-spinning clown. He’s a failed comedian trying to care for his mother. Eventually, the unrelenting cruelty of society compels him to turn to a life full of crime. And that makes him become the titular supervillain. Joker is said to be unlike any other comic book film and will not adapt any specific stories.

The R-rated film is even drumming up some Oscar buzz, especially the performance of Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker has received an outpouring of praise from early birds. The star has been nominated three times in the acting categories, but has yet to win. Over the years, many actors have played the character of the Joker, with Heath Ledger delivering the greatest portrayal in The Dark Knight (2008). And now, with regards to the Best Actor nod for Joaquin Phoenix, the star has some great big clown shoes to fill, but he also has the unique opportunity of being the main character in his film rather than the antagonist. The last DC film to win an Oscar was Suicide Squad (2016), which took home the award for the Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling. That movie also featured the Joker, but it was a kind of different version that was played by Jared Leto.

With over 30 reviews being counted, Joker currently still has a high score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is well into “Fresh” territory. In order for a movie earn the site’s “Certified Fresh” accolade, it needs to get a score of 75% or better with 80 reviews counted at least. So far only a limited number of critics have watched the movie, the score for Joker can probably be expected to shift when the next wave of reviews comes out, closer to its official release date in October. However, for now, things are looking very positive so far, though this is definitely a strong opening for such a solo movie.

With fierce discussion already raging around Joker based on the first reviews, it’s going to be interesting to see what direction the conversation will take when fans and the general public go to see Joker in just a few weeks. Its score may go up or down as the movie’s release date is getting closer.

How about you? Are you ready to enjoy the film about the Clown Prince of Crime for yourself? Share with us in the comments!

Joker hits theaters on October 4.

On the last Saturday, Joker received an eight-minute standing ovation following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Variety reports.

Joker writer and director Todd Phillips and stars Joaquin Phoenix and Zazie Beetz were on hand for the event at Venice. During a press conference, the filmmaker said his drama was inspired by 1928 silent movie The Man Who Laughs as well as the Martin Scorsese-helmed Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and The King of Comedy, three of Scorsese’s seminal works each headlined by Joker co-star Robert De Niro.

“Why can’t you just do a genre comic-book film like that?” Todd Phillip said if his brooding, R-rated character study, an admitted hard sell for Warner Bros. “We thought that could be an exciting approach to this genre. And I am not sure what it means for Marvel or DC. It was a hard movie for us to get made, even to convince DC and the studio at first, but we thought we’d keep pushing because we thought it would be special.”

One of the most anticipated movies this fall, Joker, has had a lot of hype around it. First positive reactions for the film have arrived on social media, already earning buzz for Joaquin Phoenix with a potential Best Actor nomination at the 2020 Oscars. One of the high reviews has Joker as an “insane masterpiece” led by a “mesmerizing performance” from Joaquin Phoenix. Forbes writes, “Joker is a phenomenal film, destined to be pitted against [Heath] Ledger’s The Dark Knight performance for the title of the definitive on-screen portrayal of the character.”

Starring Joaquin Phoenix along with Robert De Niro, Marc Maron, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, and Brian Tyree Henry, the gritty, the late ‘70s and early ‘80s-set film is a new take on the character and his origin story. Todd Phillips has previously stated that they did not follow anything from the comics. It is a gamble that he said will likely make some people pretty mad. However, based on the positive reviews of Joker, it is the gamble that has paid off. Many of those critical reviews have praised the performance of Joaquin Phoenix while some have gone as far as to call it one of the best of the year. Though there are some reactions which are a little less than glowing, the overall consensus appears to be that the Joker is still an impressive movie, one that fans will surely want to see for themselves.

While still a month left until the official release date of Joker, the film has already garnered an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, with 33 reviews counted from critics.

So, are you excited to see Joker next month? The film premieres on October 4.

Finally, the first reactions to Joaquin Phoenix-led Joker have arrived online, and they are generally positive. Directed by Todd Phillips, the new DC Comics and Warner Bros. project is establishing an origin story for the Clown Prince of Crime. Boasting a star-studded cast including Marc Maron, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Brett Cullen, and Frances Conroy, Joker takes fans back in time to the 1980s when the iconic book villain was just a failed comedian known as Arthur Fleck.

Last week, the final trailer for Joker dropped, surprising a lot of people. The movie features a slew of never-before-seen clips but mostly focuses on the titular character played by Joaquin Phoenix. Despite its release inching near, plot details for Joker are still being kept tightly under wraps. However, whatever it turns out to be, fans will be happy to learn that critics are loving Joker as evidenced by these early reactions.

With the early praise as a “cinematic achievement on a high level,” a handful of press and critics have been sharing their non-spoilers reactions to Joker on social media. Most of them have nothing but great things to say about the movie, and that’s good news for fans of the DC Extended Universe. You can read a sampling of the glowing Joker reactions below.

I saw the @JokerMovie and REALLY dug it. It’s a feature that steals your attention and requires time to process. It’s an acting showcase for Joaquin Phoenix and a story that’s ambiguous and surprising, but one that really grounds Arthur Fleck’s transformation. pic.twitter.com/OOWgpct13i

— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) August 31, 2019

I saw #Joker — and it is unlike anything before it. The movie is dark, thrilling, and chilling. An insane masterpiece.

The movie absolutely transcends being a comic book film and acts as a character study which, at times, will make audiences uncomfortable in wild ways. 10/10 pic.twitter.com/2B2mCkzbZy

— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) August 31, 2019

#JokerMovie is an efficacious & disturbing film that’s equally meritorious & tragic. Phoenix’s roaring, monstrous performance as the Clown of Crime is so immaculate, so maestoso, it’s a prodigious accomplishment, and marks the apex of his already superlative career. #Venezia76 pic.twitter.com/YeHZg4WqHd

— International Film Critique (@IntFilmCritique) August 31, 2019

DP Lawrence Sher’s no-frills work to emphasize Gotham’s twisted, dark cityscapes, streets and nightmarish forms deserves a huge shout-out. With picture-perfect contrasts & color, sublime compositions, the rich and complex mise-en-scène succeeds in elevating an unforgettable film.

— International Film Critique (@IntFilmCritique) August 31, 2019

I can’t quite believe how good Joker is. It’s a masterpiece. Funny, dark, beautiful, full of rage, and really fucking cool. Joaquin Phoenix is masterful and every shot is sublime. #Venezia76

— James Jones (@jamesjonesfilm) August 31, 2019

#Venezia76 The #Joker we fucking deserve. Rings of comedy, rings of fire. It’s a circus, it’s a carnival, it’s a mayhem. Phoenix brings us dancing through this social disease and it’s a triumph. #JokerMovie

— Lorenzo Ciorcalo (@rotovisor) August 31, 2019

There will be before Joker. And there will be after Joker. I don’t know if the world is ready for this movie. Or maybe it is? It is GNARLY. It is crazy. It is audacious. It doesn’t hold back. Wow. I can’t believe it exists. But it does. And it’s coming.

— Alex Billington @ Venice (@firstshowing) August 31, 2019

“Bring in the clowns!!!” ???? #Joker will surprise the hell out of people. Dark, twisted, brutal origin story of the most recognised villain in popular culture. Joaquin Phoenix adds another iconic performance to his extraordinary career #Venezia76

— Radek Folta @Venezia76 (@rdfolta) August 31, 2019

#joker was just… Just, just WOW. The Academy Award for Best Actor must go to #JoaquinPhoenix pic.twitter.com/hik3bvXgaP

— Olivier Sarbil (@oliviersarbil) August 31, 2019

Joker is not based on any narrative from the comic books, so Todd Phillips had full control of how he wanted to craft the story of Arthur Fleck. This also makes for a more interesting film since the public does not have any idea about where the story would go. That said, the filmmaker recently unveiled that he had to go through a whole year just to convince Warner Bros. to green light this project as R-rated, and now it looks like all his effort is worthy as the film gets an official hard R rating. Rumored details about this character also hint at a deeper connection between Joker and his arch-nemesis, Bruce Wayne/Batman, suggesting they may share the same biological father. While fans already know that a young Bruce Wayne will appear in the movie according to the first trailer, Thomas Wayne (Cullen) is expected to play a significant role in how things pan out for Arthur Fleck.

It is no secret that many were skeptic of a Joker standalone when it was first announced by Warner Bros. However, the public eventually mellowed on the idea, especially after learning the roster of talent attached. On top of that, marketing will likely amplify the anticipation. Assuming Joker garners the same kind of acclaim when it officially hits theaters in October and makes the studio profit, the potential sequel Todd Phillips recently talked about wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility.

Joker hits theaters on October 4.

The Todd-Phillips-directed Joker is officially rated R for “strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, language, and brief sexual images,” according to a rating displayed on the official movie website.

Comedian and actor Marc Maron previously characterized the Joaquin Phoenix-led Joker as a “character study of a mentally ill person who becomes the Joker,” calling the standalone “an intimate and gritty movie with a very specific scope.”

Back in September, a representative for the Toronto International Film Festival, where Joker will be the first comic book film screened as a Gala presentation, said the movie brings to mind the works of Taxi Driver filmmaker Martin Scorsese and exhibits “an interesting tone and approach” to its DC Comics-inspired source material.

“It is set in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s, and it feels like it was made then. It is gritty in its looks,” co-head and artistic director of TIFF Cameron Bailey told the Toronto Sun. “It has references to Martin Scorsese’s filmmaking, and it feels like a cinematic achievement on a high level. Though it is working with very populist material, it has great ambition. That is why it is a Gala.”

The praise from Cameron Bailey comes after producer Michael E. Uslan, the longtime shepherd of the Batman franchise for Warner Bros., promised Joker is “unlike any comic book movie you have ever seen.”

“Todd Phillips is the filmmaker there, and he had an incredible vision for this. All I can tell you is, in my humble opinion, the world is just getting a little oversaturated with comic book movies and TV everywhere we turn,” said Uslan.

“When I pick up a newspaper and find out that, ‘Oh my godness, on May 5, 2027, Ant-Man 5 is gonna open, so I better write that down in my calendar,’ the world has gone a little bit haywire. And not being a great fan in any media of oversaturation, I love it when something comes out and it is different, and it is unique.”

“I thought the Guardians of the Galaxy was different and unique when it came out. I also thought Deadpool was different and unique when it came out. This Joker movie is different and unique. It is unlike any comic book movie you have ever seen,” Michael E. Uslan said at Germany’s CCXP Cologne convention. “Maybe it’s more like a Martin Scorsese, low-budget film noir crime drama, but I have all the faith in Todd [Phillips], the brilliantly talented Joaquin Phoenix, and Robert De Niro. It is an incredible, incredible group of people that is brought this to life.”

Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Robert De Niro, and Frances Conroy. The film opens in theaters on October 4.

Now get ready to put on a happy face.

The latest trailer for DC’s Joker film has officially arrived. On Wednesday, Warner Bros. debuted the new batch of footage for the upcoming standalone movie, after the first trailer a few months ago.

Joker will follow Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) as a failed stand-up comedian whose descent into madness turns him into the villain of a corrupt Gotham City. This R-rated movie will be completely independent of DC’s current output of films. Joker is also set to provide an entirely new take on the ever-elusive origin story of the villain.

“We did not follow anything from the comic books, which people are going to be mad about,” Joker director Todd Phillips recently explained during an interview. “We just wrote our own version of where a guy like Joker might come from. That is what was interesting to me. We are not even doing Joker, but the story of becoming Joker. It is about this man.”

Much of the dismay of Jared Leto fans as well as die-hard supporters of this franchise, Warner Bros. is now moving forward with a Joker origin movie starring Joaquin Phoenix as the iconic DC villain. While the actor may have been sketchy on the details of the film, he finally opened up about his take on the Joker when previously speaking to Collider, saying it is unlike anything he has seen before.

“I would not quite classify this as like any genre,” Joaquin Phoenix said. “I would not say it is a superhero movie, or studio movie,… It feels unique. And I think more than anything, probably the most important thing, is Todd seems very passionate about it and very giving. So that is so exciting. I think, underneath the excitement of these movies, and the size of them, there are incredible characters that are dealing with real-life struggles. Sometimes that’s uncovered and exposed. Sometimes it is not. And so I always felt like there were characters in comics that were really interesting and deserved the opportunity to be kind of studied. And so I think that is what Todd sees appealing about this idea.”

Even before the official announcement was made, fans believed that this Joker tale would be vastly different from other versions of the character that have appeared on the big screen in the past. Not only did reports state that Joker would be a gritty ‘80s ere crime noir, but the movie’s reported budget was also much, much lower than any other DC films in recent years. Todd Phillips was expected to work with just over $50 million for this venture, which is significantly cheaper than the likes of Justice League, Suicide Squad, or Wonder Woman.

“I take a lot of time and consideration when making decisions and what I am going to work on, always,” added Phoenix. “In some ways, the process, which is obviously reading a script and meeting a filmmaker and continuing to have meetings and discussions with Todd. I think he is very impressive and seems to have a very interesting understanding of this world and what he is trying to say. So there’s something very appealing about that and working with him on this particular project. It feels unique. It’s its own world in some ways. And maybe, mostly, it scares the f-cking sh-t out of me or something. It might as well be the thing that scares you the most.”

Can’t wait –
Joaquin Phoenix’s standalone Joker movie #joker pic.twitter.com/1JTs4aDmYT

— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) July 11, 2018

It seems that everything is pointing to this Joker film being something completely unique. And that might be the best idea that DC has had in some time.

After only two days releasing the final trailer, Joker already has the Internet buzz.

Needless to say, with a character as beloved as the Clown Prince of Crime, DC fans are scrutinizing every single aspect of this Joker version, especially the all-important laugh of Joker starring Joaquin Phoenix. Many fans have even taken to Twitter to scream an Oscar for the actor. And if the early buzz for this performance is accurate, Joaquin Phoenix could become the second person to earn an Oscar for playing the role after Heath Ledger, who won posthumously in 2009. Keep scrolling below to see some of the tweets from fans currently.

Alongside Joaquin Phoenix, the cast of Joker includes Zazie Beetz (Sophie Dumond), Brett Cullen (Thomas Wayne), Robert De Niro (Murray Franklin), Frances Conroy (Penny Fleck). Douglas Hodge (Alfred Pennyworth), Marc Maron (Ted Marco), Josh Pais (Hoyt Vaughn), with Bryan Callen, Bryan Tyree Henry, Shea Whigham, and Glen Fleshler.

can’t wait to watch joaquin phoenix win an oscar for his performance as joker pic.twitter.com/NdcvFhgmCH

— courtney (@infamousmargot) August 28, 2019

Please take all my fucking money. Joaquin Phoenix is coming for that Oscar ???? #Joker pic.twitter.com/pQUGAFusyF

— ً (@YoConnorr) August 28, 2019

When #JoaquinPhoenix win an oscar…

– “when you bring me out can you introduce me as #Joker?” pic.twitter.com/LdFlWHrjgf

— DC Films United #IstandWithZackSnyder (@DCFUnited) August 28, 2019

Everyone after Joaquin Phoenix finally wins his Oscar for Joker#JokerMovie #Joker #JoaquinPhoenixpic.twitter.com/swxUdLTBQ7

— Dodger (@cevanswhores) August 28, 2019

That final JOKER trailer was sublime. This movie continues to amaze me.

Joaquin is putting everything into this and it’s so terrifyingly effective. The direction, cinematography, dialogue, everything about this is perfect. Get here now, October. #JokerMovie ???? pic.twitter.com/0UxRxbBGo4

— Battman ???? (@BatmanFiles) August 28, 2019

Yeah, cause that Joker trailer was straight FIRE ???????????????????? #DCisGoingDarkAgain pic.twitter.com/8tJTNTkL8H

— President Abu Nas (@Rehabil12548624) August 28, 2019

#Joker trailer. I’m in. pic.twitter.com/viB0uh2JWU

— Nathan Carr (@nathancarronair) April 3, 2019

That final JOKER trailer was sublime. This movie continues to amaze me.

Joaquin is putting everything into this and it’s so terrifyingly effective. The direction, cinematography, dialogue, everything about this is perfect. Get here now, October. #JokerMovie ???? pic.twitter.com/0UxRxbBGo4

— Battman ???? (@BatmanFiles) August 28, 2019

Joker hits theaters on October 4.

Todd Phillips’ Joker is a “cinematic achievement on a high level,” says Cameron Bailey, co-head/artistic director of the Toronto International Film Festival, where the Warner Bros. movie will be the first comic book film screened as a Gala presentation.

“First of all, it is terrific. It should play on our largest stage,” Cameron Bailey told the Toronto Sun.

“But it is a really original take on comic book movies and the Joker character in particular. It is not based on an existing story, it has one of the greatest actors in modern cinema, Joaquin Phoenix, in the lead, and Robert De Niro as well, one of the best actors that has ever lived.”

Joaquin Phoenix as Joker.

Cameron Bailey added Joker, set outside the DC Extended Universe, “has an interesting tone and approach to it.”

“It is set in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s. It feels like it was made then. It is gritty in its look,” said Bailey. “It has references to Martin Scorsese’s filmmaking, and it feels like a cinematic achievement on a high level. Although it is working with very populist material, it has great ambition. That’s why it is a Gala.”

Moreover, the R-rated examination of the infamous Batman villain is “very cinematic,” he said.

During the CCXP Cologne convention in Germany, longtime Batman franchise producer Michael E. Uslan, the executive producer on Joker, promised the film is “unlike any comic book movie you have ever seen.”

“I thought the Guardians of the Galaxy was different and unique when it came out. I also thought Deadpool was different and unique when it came out. This Joker movie is different and unique. It is unlike any comic book movie you have ever seen,” Uslan said earlier.

“Maybe it’s more like a Martin Scorsese, low-budget film noir crime drama, but I have all the faith in Todd [Phillips], the brilliantly talented Joaquin Phoenix, and Robert De Niro. It is an incredible, incredible group of people that is brought this to life.”

Joker is slated to hit theaters on October 4.

Joaquin Phoenix has made quite an impression in the first trailer for Joker film, which was directed by Todd Phillips. And there was plenty of other details to pick up on as well. The teaser trailer gave us several first looks at Joker’s world of characters, including Sophie Dumond (Zazie Beetz), Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro), Thomas Wayne (Brett Cullen) and Penny Fleck (Frances Conroy). In fact, that may not have been the only Wayne snuck into this trailer. And yes, it’s exactly the Wayne you are thinking of.

As we can see later in the trailer, a young boy is standing face to face with Arthur Fleck. The boy is seen on the house side of a large gate, giving the impression that there is a large distance between the gate and the building behind. That would also make sense if this were Wayne Manor, and the boy is well dressed as well.

Fleck then puts his hands through the bars, using his thumbs to make the boy smile. Especially since this takes place after the video we saw of Thomas Wayne criticizing the masked man who committed a crime, we are betting this is a part of Fleck’s reconnaissance of Thomas Wayne’s house and a creepy way when getting close to him without committing a crime actually.

All that evidence points to this being the young Bruce Wayne, and you can see the sequence in question in that image.

Now, this movie doesn’t take place within the continuity of other DC films. But this is more of a standalone take on the Joker, so unless there is a sequel to this particular movie, you will not see a bunch of ties to other DCEU films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel, Justice League, or Wonder Woman. Still, it appears that they’re going to provide plenty of cool nods to the source material. And we are all for that.

Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix (Arthur Fleck/Joker), Zazie Beetz (Sophie Dumond), Brett Cullen (Thomas Wayne), Robert De Niro (Murray Franklin), Frances Conroy (Penny Fleck), Douglas Hodge (Alfred Pennyworth), Marc Maron (Ted Marco), Josh Pais (Hoyt Vaughn), Bryan Callen, Bryan Tyree Henry, Shea Whigham, and Glen Fleshler.

Here is the official description of Joker.

“Drama. Joker centers around the iconic arch-nemesis; it is an original, standalone story that is not seen on the big screen before. The exploration of Arthur Fleck (star Joaquin Phoenix), a man who is disregarded by society, is not only a gritty character study but also a broader cautionary tale.”

Joker is slated to hit theaters on October 4th.

“I used to think my life was a tragedy. But now I realize, it is a comedy.”

Get ready for a DC Comics-inspired story unlike any other as the first trailer for Joker has officially arrived. Warner Bros. gave a glimpse of Joker to the audiences at CinemaCon. A poster for Joker also debuted earlier in the day. Check out the full trailer above.

(Photo: Warner Bros.)

After director Todd Phillips previously broke the Internet by sharing star Joaquin Phoenix in costume, expectations have become pretty high for Joker. The film is set to be a dark cautionary tale about the iconic DC Comics supervillain, which will be unconnected from the larger DC Extended Universe.

“I do not have a lot to say about the film, as it is still taking shape but also because I want it to be a surprise. That said, there has been a lot of characters about what this film is and what it is not, and most of it has not been accurate,” said Phillips. “When the marketing department at Warner asked me the other day to describe the movie, I said, ‘I cannot.’ Then they said, ‘At least tell us the genre.’ And I thought about it for a minute and said, ‘It is a tragedy.’”

Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur Fleck/Joker, a failed stand-up comedian whose descent into madness turns him into the villain. Alongside the actor, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Robert De Niro, and Marc Maron also star in the film.

Still, this origin story for Batman’s archnemesis looks serious; and the trailer begins with Arthur Fleck in therapy.

“My mother always tells me to smile and put on a happy face,” the character says in voiceover, showing him helping bathe this mother (star Frances Conroy). “She told me that I had a purpose, to bring laughter and joy to the world.”

Then Arthur ends up getting attacked in the street, and being hit by a cab – an incident that seems to move him down a dark path. A “Taxi Driver” vibe permeates the trailer, with Joaquin Phoenix delivering a Travis Bickle-style voice-over about the decline of Gotham City. “Is it just me, or is it just getting crazier out there?” Arthur says.

And when Robert De Niro shows up as a Johnny Carson-esque talk show shot, the scene seemingly pays homage to another Martin Scorsese film, “The King of Comedy.” The trailer also shows him progressively trying out different Joker outfits. Arthur first dresses as a clown with a green afro. And eventually, he dyes his hair green for the trailer’s money shot of him in full costume. “I used to think my life was a tragedy,” says Joker. “But now I realized, it is a comedy.”

Joker is slated to premiere on October 4. DC’s Aquaman has grossed more than $1 billion since its opening back in December. The studio is also preparing to unveil the Zachary Levi starring in Shazam! on Friday.

Other upcoming DC films include: Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) which is set to bow February 7, 2020; Wonder Woman 1984, which debuts on June 6, 2020, Aquaman 2 on December 16, 2020, with DC Super-Pets (due out May 21, 2021), The Batman (June 25, 2021), and Suicide Squad (August 6, 2021).

One of Batman’s greatest villains will be getting his own spotlight later this year as DC Comics and Warner Bros. are giving The Joker this own spinoff movie. Instead of featuring the version we have already seen from Suicide Squad, this new film will introduce a new interpretation of the character starring Joaquin Phoenix.

With comedian and actor Marc Maron joining the film cast, he recently unveiled some new details about what fans could expect from The Joker, an original story for the Clown Prince of Crime.

“I think it is a very interesting approach to this world,” Marc Maron explained to NME. “I have been somewhat judgemental when it comes to comic book movies, and I have got a little pushback in that press for being a hypocrite. So whatever I think, if you get a call and someone says, ‘Hey do you want to do a scene with Robert De Niro and Joaquin Phoenix,’ your principals fall to the wayside.”

Marc Maron went on to explain that The Joker director Todd Phillips was using the opportunity to dig deep into the psyche of this character, much like the original graphic novels Joker and The Killing Joke.

“If it is relative to what I think of Marvel films then it is like, ‘Yeah, of course, I’m gonna do that.’ Oddly, it is not that kind of movie. The approach that Todd has taken is more of an origin story and a character study of the mentally ill person that becomes The Joker,” said Marc Maron. “It is more of an intimate and gritty movie with a very specific scope. It is gonna be really interesting to see how it comes out.”

Marc Marcon sounds like Joaquin Phoenix himself, who also intimated that he would not just sign up for any random superhero film. However, the project was enticing to both actors, and Joaquin Phoenix unveiled his own intentions for starring in The Joker.

Marc Maron.

“I think, underneath the excitement of those films, and the size of them, there are incredible characters that are dealing with real-life struggles,” Joaquin Phoenix previously said to Collider. “And sometimes that’s uncovered and exposed. Sometimes it is not. And I always felt like there were characters in comics that were really interesting and deserved the opportunity to be kind of studied. So I think that is what Todd sees appealing about this idea.”

The Joker premieres in theaters on October 4.