“The Hangover” filmmaker Todd Phillips has been tapped to co-write and possibly direct an origin movie about DC Comics villain The Joker, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.

The project is expected to be part of a yet-to-be announced new banner under DC Films that will give Warner Bros. the opportunity to expand its comic-book canon with unique story angles revolving around these iconic characters apart from DC Extended Universe.

Phillips will co-write the untitled Joker origin film with Scott Silver. The story will take place in early-’80s Gotham City and will launch the character with a different, possibly younger actor than Jared Leto, who reintroduced the villain in last year’s “Suicide Squad.”

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Leto is likely to reprise the role in “Suicide Squad 2” and the upcoming “Gotham City Sirens.”

Martin Scorsese could come on as a producer of the project but the Oscar winner’s possible involvement is still in the very early stages, according to an individual with knowledge of the film.

Phillips is best known for writing and directing the “Hangover” franchise for the studio. He last wrote, directed and produced “War Dogs,” starring Miles Teller and Jonah Hill.

Also Read: Casey Affleck Doesn't Think Ben Affleck Will Return for 'The Batman'

Silver’s recent credits include “The Finest Hours;” he also wrote the upcoming crime drama “White Boy Rick.”

Phillips and Silver are repped by CAA.

The news was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.

DC Films 'Justice League': What We Know So Far (Photos)

"Justice League" is exactly a year away as the film will be released in theaters on Nov. 17, 2017. Here's what we know so far.
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Ben Affleck will return as Batman and have an upgraded Tactical Batsuit along with enhancements to the Batmobile.
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Gal Gadot will return as Wonder Woman and work with Batman to recruit other metahumans to fight off an intergalactic threat.
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Henry Cavill will return as Superman after he “died” in the climactic battle of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." Exactly how, remains unknown.
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Ezra Miller will star as Barry Allen a.k.a. "The Flash" and feature a costume created by Bruce Wayne's Wayne Tech.
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Jason Momoa will star as Aquaman and play the metahuman most reluctant to join the "Justice League." We will also get a first look at Atlantis.
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Ray Fisher will star as Cyborg whose suit will be made from alien technology. Cyborg has two modes: Battle Mode and also a civilian mode.
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Amber Heard will star as Mera, Queen of Atlantis and will reprise her role in the "Aquaman" standalone film.
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J.K. Simmons will play Gotham City's Commissioner Gordon and alert the "Justice League" about the Alien threat which is kidnapping scientists around Earth.
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Darkseid's presence will loom large in "Justice League" as the film's prologue introduces the New God while ancient Amazonians, Atlanteans, and pre-historic humans fight him off Earth.
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New God Steppenwolf will be the main villain in "Justice League" and be portrayed by "Game of Thrones" Ciaran Hinds as TheWrap exclusively reported.
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A member of the Green Lantern Corps. will be seen in "Justice League" in a key sequence.
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There are three motherboxes on Earth in the care of the Amazonians, mankind, and the Atlanteans. Steppenwolf comes to Earth to retrieve them.
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Assassin Deathstroke will make a small cameo in "Justice League." Joe Maganiello will play the character before reprising the role in "The Batman."
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