Oh Heath Ledger, how we miss you so. Ledger’s portrayal of The Joker was perhaps the best work he ever did in his career. It took him to places that many actors aren’t willing to go. However the role had to clearly go to someone else after Ledger’s passing when Suicide Squad came out, so Jared Leto stepped in with his own take on the character. I personally hated it at first, however as I watch his scenes more and more I have gradually learned to accept it; apparently he did a good enough job to reprise the role in the upcoming Suicide Squad sequel and the upcoming Harley Quinn spin-off film, Gotham City Sirens.
But Leto isn’t reprising the role for this untitled Joker Origin movie. It’s like Batman all over again; we simply just can’t catch a break and have a solid actor portray the character. Mark Hamill (yes, Luke Skywalker for those that live deep under a rock) is the only real exception because he’s voiced the character the longest out of any actor. I don’t know if it’s Warner Bros trying to save the ever dwindling DCU film’s (Wonder Woman is the only good one so far) but something’s gotta give. It’s exciting that we’re getting a Joker Origin film, but just a little annoying that Leto isn’t going to reprise the role.
With the script already in the works, the film is going to be directed by The Hangover’s Todd Phillips and produced by the legendary Martin Scorsese and Phillips respectively. According to Scorsese and Phillips, the film is going to take place in the 80’s and give us a solid and gritty take on The Joker; it is also of note that the film, according to Scorsese and Phillips, will not feel like a DC film but more of a noir, gritty crime riddled film (one can only hope).
So it looks like we have yet another film to look forward to in the coming years from DC. Let’s just hope they get it right this time. So far, Wonder Woman is the only DC film to come out with critical acclaim.