If you’ve been baffled by the news coming out of Burbank pertaining to DC-related films as of late – especially anything involving the Joker – then take solace in knowing that you aren’t alone. Though few of us expect but a handful of the myriad of DC movies thus far “announced” to actually make it to the finish line, it certainly doesn’t help matters when two of those are headlined by competing versions of the same character.
As you may recall, word recently got out that Jared Leto is backing a picture focused on his version of the Clown Prince of Crime, spinning out of Suicide Squad. And though it merely exists as an idea at this point and has no crew to speak of, the very prospect of it becoming reality left folks to wonder what it meant for Todd Phillips’ Joker origin movie.
Strangely enough, Phillips’ project starring Joaquin Phoenix is still alive at Warner Bros., despite not taking place within the DC Extended Universe. Previously rumored to have gone into production in May, we now know that not to be the case. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, a fall start date is being eyed, with a proposed budget of $55 million. That may be a fraction of what other grandiose comic book movies may cost to make, sure, but we’re to expect a smaller scale crime drama in this case.
And speaking of this tale existing outside of the DCEU, the industry trade also said the flick intended to be a part of a separate label could be the first to fall under the umbrella of something like “DC Dark” or “DC Black.” Personally, I’m right there with those of you who were backing “Elseworlds,” but “DC Black” would allow for synergy with the DC Black Label, a new initiative soon launching on the comic book side of things that’ll actually include a few stories involving the Joker.
Naturally, we’ll keep you posted when it comes to the future on DC on film. Suffice it to say, though, fingers remain crossed that something substantial comes out of Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con next month.