The only DC-related movie I've been stoked about in, like, 20 years is about to get even better.
Atlanta and Deadpool 2 star Zazie Beetz is in talks about joining Todd Phillips' upcoming Joker, according to an exclusive scoop from the Hollywood Reporter. As previously reported, the clearly-going-to-be-great Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix and is described by Warner Bros. as an "exploration of a man disregarded by society." The script, co-penned by Phillips and Scott Silver, is more of a dark character study than a goofy Jared Leto vomit act set to film. That's a relief.
Though additional details on the one-off Batman universe entry haven't been released, we do know that—should Beetz nail down a deal—she'll reportedly be playing a single mother who catches the eye of Phoenix's title character. "It feels unique, it is its own world in some ways, and maybe, mostly, it scares the fucking shit out of me or something," Phoenix toldCollider earlier this month of his decision to take the part, which—under a different director—might seem like a bizarre left turn for the acclaimed actor. "It might as well be the thing that scares you the most."
On a related note, if you don't consider Phoenix one of the finest actors of his generation, I don't trust your opinion on anything. Last year, he starred in Lynne Ramsay's brutally excellent You Were Never Really Here. The film is currently available on VOD services. This year's Phoenix entries include Don't Worry He Won't Get Far on Foot, The Sisters Brothers, and Mary Magdalene.
