Last week, we came across the sensational news that Warner Bros. has in the works a non-DC Extended Universe origin movie for The Joker. It was reported that Todd Phillips (The Hangover Trilogy) would direct, and legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese would produce. Now, we have a new report that reveals who the studio would like to cast as The Clown Prince of Crime.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, it's none other Leonardo DiCaprio! The studio wants to use Scorsese’s presence to "lure" DiCaprio into the world of comic book movies. The two have collaborated on five feature films over the past couple of decades, including Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, and The Wolf of Wall Street. They also made a short film titled The Audition.
The outlet added that Warner Bros. hasn’t presented DiCaprio with an offer, and the chances that he would appear as The Joker are likely "slim to none". At this point, Scorsese hasn’t even committed to produce. But it's clear that the studio won't be content until it brings in a Hollywood A-Lister to play the iconic DC Comics supervillain. Reps for all involved have declined to comment.
THR also mentioned that Jared Leto, who portrays the DCEU’s Joker, isn’t particularly happy about the prospect of a second big-screen version of the character. He’s said to have made his "displeasure" known to his agents at CAA, and that’s prompted rival agency WME to court him. His rep has also declined to comment.
UPDATE: Variety’s Justin Kroll tweeted that the story about the Leonardo DiCaprio/Joker connection makes sense. But he added that his source(s) informed him that Warner Bros. was looking for an actor in his late twenties or early thirties.
The Leo-JOKER connection makes sense not just because of Marty. The Mark Wahlberg-GAMBLER remake was supposed to be Todd Phillips and Leo
"” Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) September 1, 2017
That said, I’m told WB would prefer a younger actor, like late 20s, early 30s, for franchise appeal
"” Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) September 1, 2017
