We feel that Warner Bros. might have a hidden purpose in convincing Martin Scorsese to produce a film on the Joker’s origin for them. In fact, most people were taken aback by Warner’s announcement of a film that’s not a part of the DCEU and featuring a new actor in the lead role and a film which might start the trend of one-off DC films not existing in DCEU. The script of this film is being written by filmmaker Todd Phillips who has made The Hangover trilogy and War Dogs.
The big surprise is that this project likely to be directed by Phillips is now likely to be produced by Scorsese. Although he has not been signed and the deal is far from done, there is another news coming out which might explain the logic behind bringing Scorsese in. This logic is called ‘Leonardo DiCaprio.’
The Hollywood Reporter has come up with the news that the most preferred name to feature in this film as the clown prince of crime is none other than the Oscar-winner actor. We all are aware of the close relationship shared by Leo and Scorsese, therefore, by bringing the filmmaker on board, the studio might be hoping to convince DiCaprio to join the project.
DiCaprio is undoubtedly among the top dogs in Hollywood as on date and has been associated for several years with the WB, but, he has staunchly refused to be a part of the superhero genre and prefers original projects helmed by reputed filmmakers. In fact, no proposal has been made to him yet, and even Scorsese isn’t finalized; therefore, The Hollywood Reporter suggests that despite the expectations, the probability of DiCaprio taking up the role is next to none. WB is making its efforts, and in case they fail to convince DiCaprio then they would try to rope in another A-lister to make this film a grand project and they are not even considering any rookie or fledgling actor.
The underlying thought of the proposed Joker film is to display him as a gutsy gang lord of the Gotham underworld which has a Scorsese touch and is heavily influenced by Taxi Driver. This entry into the segment of non-DCEU DC films which will see Joker being the first project to go into production, is Warner Bros. first step towards bringing on board top filmmakers and superstars who avoid being cast into a superhero character due to its limited outreach. Now by planning to rope in DiCaprio, WB wishes to convey that they are making a film which has no limitations of a franchise associated with it. Now, this is the biggest attraction of the idea of launching non-DCEU films.
The Hollywood Reporter also reported that the Joker of Suicide Squad Jared Leto who is set to once again put up the paint and ear to ear grin in Suicide Squad 2 and another under development project is not pleased with the latest development since he is not going to feature in it. In fact, this has the potential to negatively impact the non-DCEU brand that WB might end up antagonizing some of the actors already committed to various DC films and then suddenly find themselves out of favor when the time comes to portray the same character outside of DCEU.
The big question is, will DiCaprio take the bait? The gut feeling is that he won’t. As we said, Scorsese is not yet confirmed for the project, and even if he comes on board, then he might simply want to limit himself to the role of the producer. Therefore, it is not as if Leo is going to work on a project that’s directed by Scorsese. You can trust the fact that DiCaprio has seen every single top superhero role being offered to him, but, he has always looked the other way, thus, making it unlikely that he would change the course of a Joker origin film.
Apparently, it is nothing more than a highly ambitious and optimistic approach by WB by aiming for DiCaprio for this role. One thing is more likely, and that is the possibility of the studio approaching some other major star if their dream of casting Leonardo DiCaprio fails to materialize.
