If you keep yourself up on the latest and greatest Joker news, then the last few days have likely been pretty interesting. Not only are we due for a Joker origin movie (produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by Todd Philips), but new rumors have even suggested that the studio is eyeing Leonardo DiCaprio to take on the highly coveted role. With all eyes on the Inception star to potentially assume the role of the iconic DC super villain, new artwork has debuted online potentially showing that he could look like in the role. Check it out below to see for yourself.
Right off the bat (pun intended) it's pretty clear that this could potentially work as a new look for a DiCaprio Joker. The version seen in this particular incarnation strikes that Heath Ledger-esque balance between stylish and violent, and the scars on his face lend the sense that this Joker would have a more violent history ("you wanna know how I got these scars?"). Obviously, this picture does not give us some of the most important aspects of the character (what would his laugh sound like? Or what would his voice sound like?), but the basic look of this Leo Joker is pretty damn awesome.
Although it is currently unclear whether or not Leonardo DiCaprio will sign on to play Joker in the upcoming origin movie, there's a pretty easy case to be made that he is well-suited for the role. The Oscar-winner (who finally won for his work on The Revenant) has a history of playing unhinged characters (particularly with his work on Shutter Island and Django Unchained), and he certainly has the Hollywood prestige necessary to sell a Joker origin movie to mainstream audiences.
Besides, we already know that the guy can rock a suit on the big screen.
Having said that, there are still certain factors that could potentially stand in the way of DiCaprio stepping in for this film and making this picture a reality. At 42 years old, he is only three years younger than current Joker Jared Leto. If Warner Bros. and DC want to go all in on an "origin movie," they could possibly want to skew a bit younger for their brand new version of Batman's arch nemesis. At this point, only time will tell the direction they choose to go with it.
Whether or not Leonardo DiCaprio will sign on as the new Clown Prince of Crime remains to be seen, but we will keep you posted with more details as new information becomes available. The silver screen DC universe will continue when Justice League makes its debut in theaters later this year on November 17.
