Joaquin Phoenix

The initial reports regarding the upcoming Joker origin movie from writer / director Todd Phillips noted that the project was loosely inspired by the Martin Scorsese classic King of Comedy — so it makes sense that Scorsese himself was persuaded to executive produce Joker. According to a new report, that King of Comedy connection is getting a little more obvious, as Robert De Niro is officially in talks to join Joaquin Phoenix in the DC standalone film.

The ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Deadpool 2’ star is in talks to join the Joker origin story.

Get ready for ‘Joker’ - coming to theaters next fall.

It’s officially official: The DCEU will confuse you even more and introduce another Joked played by Joaquin Phoenix.

Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly are a pair of killer siblings in a western comedy from the director of ‘A Prophet.’

Joaquin Phoenix is a weary contract killer in Lynne Ramsay’s riveting, blood-soaked thriller.

Over the past few years, Joaquin Phoenix has flirted with multiple big-budget superhero movies. He was offered roles in The Avengers (as Bruce Banner/Hulk), Batman vs. Superman and Marvel’s Doctor Strange, and come very close to signing a deal (Marvel was hoping up until the very last moment to be able to introduce Phoenix as Strange at Comic-Con in 2014) before eventually opting to pass on all three. But, why? The actor opened up about his decision making process admitting that it’s probably best if he doesn’t ever star in a superhero movie.