Like Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro’s prolific output belies his advancing years. Unlike Sammy J, however, De Niro hasn’t resigned himself to the superhero multiverse churn. Dirty Grandpa has far too much integrity for that.
Or does he? According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 74-year-old is in talks to join Joaquin Phoenix in Warner Bros.’ upcoming 'Joker' standalone movie.
Directed by The Hangover’s Todd Phillips and written alongside Scott Silver (8 Mile, The Fighter), the DC movie is rumoured to be set in early 1980s Gotham. De Niro would play a talk show host who plays a part in the Joker’s origin.
The movie is set to be a departure from DC’s previous Batman movies in terms of scale. The budget is purportedly set a relatively modest $55 million range, and it’s said to be more of a character exploration than an action-packed superhero epic.
Despite Phillips comedy credentials, Phoenix and De Niro presence in the cast points to a much darker, self-serious tone. Work on the film is set to begin in New York in September.
