The Joker looks to be getting his own origin tale.
Sources tell Variety that War Dogs and The Hangover director Todd Phillips is in talks to co-write and direct an untitled movie centred on the origins of the most iconic Batman villain.
Martin Scorsese is in talks to have some sort of role on the film, but it's currently unknown what that role would be.
This yet-to-be announced new banner under DC Comics would give the studio the opportunity to expand the canon with unique story angles that aren't included in its current cinematic universe.
Scott Silver will join Phillips as a co-writer on the film, which will delve into what it took for the Joker to become a mastermind criminal.
Sources say the story will take place in the '80s and have more of the look of a gritty crime drama than comic book movie, which had a lot to do with getting Scorsese's commitment to the project.
Jared Leto most recently played the Clown Prince of Crime in Suicide Squad, and is likely to reprise that role in Suicide Squad 2, but will not be featured in this film, as Phillips will look to cast someone else.
Best known for his comedies like The Hangover franchise, Phillips has been trying to jump into new genres for years.
He previously eyed The Gambler remake at Paramount that Rupert Wyatt ended up directing.
Reuters
