Gladiator star Joaquin Phoenix is to play Batman's nemesis The Joker in a stand‑alone film exploring the origins of the cackling comic book villain.
Co‑written and directed by The Hangover director Todd Phillips, the currently untitled film is set to begin shooting in New York this September.
According to a Hollywood Reporter, it will be both "a gritty character study" and "a broader cautionary tale".
Phoenix's other roles include Johnny Cash in 2005 biopic Walk the Line.
The 43‑year‑old was recently seen playing Jesus in Mary Magdalene and as a troubled vigilante in You Were Never Really Here.
Some of the other big‑name actors who have taken on the role include, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, and Jared Leto.
[Source: BBC]
