Warner Bros.’ Joker origin movie may be adding another marquee name to its cast.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar winner Robert De Niro is in talks to join Joaquin Phoenix in the film, which just last week staked out an October 2019 release date.
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Rumors of De Niro’s involvement surfaced earlier in the year, but this marks confirmation of his interest. According to reports, De Niro would portray a talk show host who plays a key role in the Joker’s origin. The film will be set in a 1980s Gotham City, outside the continuity of Justice League, Wonder Woman and the upcoming Aquaman.
Word surfaced over the weekend that Deadpool 2 star Zazie Beetz had signed on to Joker as well, as the Clown Prince’s love interest. Three Billboards star Frances McDormand almost joined the cast as the Joker’s mother before passing on the project.
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The film is expected to have a considerably lower budget than more recent superhero movie fare, and will be directed by The Hangover’s Todd Philips and produced by frequent De Niro collaborator Martin Scorsese. It will begin production in New York in Septembrer.
Joker releases into theaters on Oct. 4, 2019.