Robert De Niro is in talks to join Joaquin Phoenix in Warner Bros and Village Roadshow’s upcoming DC film “Joker,” a person with knowledge of the negotiations told TheWrap.
The role, which would see De Niro portray a talk show host who plays a role in the Joker’s origins, would be a rare departure from De Niro’s usual fare, having made a name for himself with films like “Raging Bull” rather than comic book movies.
But “Joker” is said to be different from other DC films like “Aquaman” and “Shazam” that are in the works. While those films are traditional superhero blockbusters, “Joker” is said to be a mid-budget crime thriller that uses Batman’s nihilistic archenemy as the basis for a dark character study.
De Niro has also starred in one of the films that is said to be an inspiration for this project: “King of Comedy,” a black comedy starring De Niro as a failed, delusional comedian who goes so far as to kidnap a late night talk show host so he can take his place and do an opening monologue on national TV.
Todd Phillips will direct the film from a script co-written with Scott Silver, who received an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for “The Fighter.” “Deadpool 2” and “Atlanta” star Zazie Beetz is also in talks to star in the film as a single mother in whom the Joker is interested.
Production for “Joker” is set to begin in New York in September, with a release date set for October 4, 2019. De Niro is repped by CAA.
Watch Best Comic-Con Trailers, From 'Shazam' to 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' (Videos)
"Aquaman" -- Can Aquaman actually be cool? Judging from the trailer, hell yes. The trailer gives an idea about Arthur’s (Jason Momoa) backstory... and also shows villain Black Manta blowing up a building or two with his laser eyes.
"Shazam" -- Zachary Levi’s take on The Big Red Cheese! The film follows the adventures of teenager Billy Batson, who can transform into a full-grown adult superhero with the power of six gods after saying “Shazam!” Think “Big” meets “Batman and Robin.”
"Glass" -- M. Night Shyamalan's third movie in what has become a superhero trilogy that started with “Unbreakable” and suddenly picked up steam again with last year’s “Split,” a movie nobody knew was related until its ending.
"Doctor Who" -- The first female Time Lord is looking for some new best friends, and in the new trailer, she gets them… thanks to the ability of traveling through time and space.
"Godzilla: King of Monsters" -- If the sick new trailer is any indication, monsters are going to end the world. Godzilla won’t be the only giant creature humanity has to deal with when the movie drops next year. It also looks like creatures such as Mothra and King Ghidorah will be in play as well.
"Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald" -- Two big takeaways from this one: We’re going to get a lot of younger Dumbledore in this one, and it’s going to be packed with “Harry Potter” lore. Including the inventor of the Sorcerer’s Stone.
"Mayans MC" -- The trailer for FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” spinoff, “Mayans M.C.” is all about a new leading man. Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (JD Pardo) is fresh out of prison and a prospect in the Mayans M.C. charter on the California/Mexico border. Now, EZ must carve out his new identity.
"Star Trek: Discovery" Season 2 -- Something strange is happening in the galaxy and the world’s most famous Vulcan is involved. Yes, it definitely looks like the sophomore year will be digging into “Star Trek” lore and filling out some interesting beats in the timeline.
"The Orville" Season 2 -- Seth MacFarlane told fans “comedy doesn’t always go well in science fiction,” and that his goal was to try to make it work. His promise for the second season of "The Orville" is to push that delicate balance further.
"Walking Dead" Season 9 -- Negan predicts the downfall of everyone living in close proximity to the Sanctuary, Maggie finally has her baby, and Daryl turns advocate, all in the teaser trailer for Season 9. And, of course, blood and guts and brains and stuff.
"Fear the Walking Dead" Season 4 -- The post-Madison Clark world of "Fear the Walking Dead" is looking pretty bleak — especially after a giant storm sweeps through, sweeping away zombies and everything else in its path.
"The Gifted" Season 2 -- Ready for some mutant-against-mutant action? In Season 2, the Mutant Underground must contend with new groups with extreme ideologies, both human and mutant alike, to stave off a brewing conflict.
"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" returns -- “Clone Wars” is coming back and getting 12 new episodes, all of which will stream on Disney’s new proprietary streaming service. Some time has passed since Ahsoka left the Jedi Order, but Anakin and his apprentice are set to be reunited with both old and new friends.
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Even without Marvel, Comic-Con had plenty of trailers to bring the hype
"Aquaman" -- Can Aquaman actually be cool? Judging from the trailer, hell yes. The trailer gives an idea about Arthur’s (Jason Momoa) backstory... and also shows villain Black Manta blowing up a building or two with his laser eyes.
