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As promised by director Todd Phillips, the first trailer for DC’s Joker has finally been dropped, and I have to say, it’s a lot more insane than I expected it to be.
Check out Joaquin Phoenix in the first preview for Joker:
As if in some attempt to up Christian Bale and his body transformations, Phoenix absolutely goes above and beyond in this film, with his Arthur Fleck looking so distorted it’s disturbing. It’s just the trailer, but Phoenix is already delivering so much in this preview that I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the full movie.
It’s also worth noting that there are a lot of other nods to the world of Batman besides the inclusion of the Joker. We get a small glimpse of Arthur visiting Arkham Asylum, and the politician talking on the television is actually soon-to-be-dead billionaire Thomas Wayne.
Also that kid that Arthur puts a smile on from across the gate? That’s little Bruce:
While the murky origin has always been part of the character’s appeal, I’m eager to see what’s in store for this version’s backstory. It’s worth noting that this will be the first movie from the DCEU to actually spinoff on its own; not being connected to anything else that came before it. Personally I’m just hoping for one self-contained film with no build-up to any sequel or trilogy.
Catch Joker in theaters Oct. 4.
