No Laughing Matter: First Set Photos Released Of Joaquin Phoenix As The Joker

Get ready, this one is going to be weird. And creepy. That’s all I can think about when I look at the first set photos released from the set of Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ film, as the photos show Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker BEFORE he becomes the Clown Prince of Crime, and he already looks a little disturbing. The photos (and one video) are courtesy of director Todd Phillips and the site Just Jared, and you can check them out for yourself below:

Comic books fans will, of course, love the little nods seen in these photos, including the name ‘Amusement Mile’ behind Phoenix indicating that some of the movie may take place at the famed location, and of course appreciate seeing the Joker, even before he becomes a criminal showing off his odd-sense of humor and finding little appreciation from those around him, including an actual clown.

While speaking about the film before, Phoenix has said:

“I wouldn’t quite classify this as like any genre. I wouldn’t say it’s a superhero movie, or a studio movie or a… It feels unique, and I think more then anything, and probably the most important thing, is Todd seems very passionate about it and very giving, and so that’s exciting. I think, underneath the excitement of these films, and the size of them, there are these incredible characters that are dealing with real life struggles. And sometimes that is uncovered and exposed, and sometimes it isn’t, and so I always felt, like, there were characters in comics that were really interesting and deserve the opportunity to be kind of studied. And so I think that’s what Todd sees appealing about this idea.”

What are your thoughts on Phoenix’s look as pre-Joker? Do you have any expectations from this film? If so, do you think Warner Bros/ Todd Phillips are up to the task? Feel free to share your thoughts on the matter in the comments below!

Also, here’s the official description of the film from the studio:

“Under the direction of Todd Phillips, the film centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Phillips’ exploration of a man disregarded by society is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.”

Sources: EW, Just Jared