Phoenix recently finalized his deal to star as Batman's iconic arch-nemesis in this villain origin story.

The Joker origin movie is officially a go at Warner Bros. Joaquin Phoenix recently finalized his deal to star as the arch-nemesis of Batman and shooting is set to begin in September in New York. Todd Phillips is directing the film and co-wrote the script, which the studio describes as being an “exploration of a man disregarded by society [that] is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.” Scott Silver co-wrote the script.