Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker movie just took a twisted turn. According to multiple reports, the film has added Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth, rounding out the familiar cast of characters seen in the various Batman universes.
But just because Bruce Wayne is appearing in the film doesn’t mean we’ll see Batman sulking in the shadows. The film will take place in the ‘80s, which means we’ll see a younger version of Bruce Wayne, not the playboy gazillionaire who moonlights as a vigilante. Dante Pereira-Olsen has allegedly been cast in the role.
Meanwhile, Douglas Hodge has been cast as Alfred, while Brett Cullen was previously announced to play Thomas Wayne.
The film will primarily focus on the Joker and how he transforms from failed stand-up comedian to the Clown Prince of Crime. But it makes sense that the Wayne family would be involved. It makes the story feel more familiar and connected, and may even set the stage for Joker and Bruce to cross paths in the future.
The weird thing about the Wayne family being involved, however, is that the Joker film is supposed to be separate from the others in the DCEU. This just means audiences will have to keep track of even more versions of their favorite characters.
We’re still not entirely convinced the Joker film needs to exist, but we have to admit that Phoenix looks great in full clown makeup (above).
Joker hits theaters on October 4, 2019.
