For a project that was only given the go-ahead two weeks ago, Warner’s Joker origin movie has wasted no time in assembling its A-list cast.
Front and center is Joaquin Phoenix as our new Clown Prince of Crime, while the likes of Zazie Beetz and Robert De Niro have officially entered talks to join the 80s-set thriller in development from Todd Phillips. Filming is set to commence in September, after all, so it’s small wonder why Warner Bros. wants to have all its DC ducks in a row before Phillips yells “action!’ for the very first time.
It appears as though there’s still room for one more, mind you, what with The Wrap reporting today that Frances Conroy, star of Six Feet Under, is circling the role of Joker’s mother – presumably at the expense of Three Billboards actress Frances McDormand, who reportedly decided to pass up the chance to join Joaquin Phoenix et. al on the streets of Gotham City.
Should this deal stick, Frances Conroy will be playing the part of Penny, Joker’s poorly mother who still holds a grudge against the “cheesy, tanned” Thomas Wayne after screwing her out of… something. It’s doing her no favors, as her ailing condition forces Joker to move back to Gotham under the alias of Arthur Fleck.
It’s here where our crooked lead reportedly falls for Sophie Dumond (Beetz), a single mom just looking to make ends meet. And, finally, there have been rumblings that De Niro is negotiating for the role of late night TV host, Murray Franklin.
All of this is yet to be confirmed, but it does paint a pretty interesting picture of Joker and the direction in which Warner’s origin story is headed. More on this project as it develops.