Hollywood veteran, Robert De Niro is in talks to be casted in The Joker origin movie with Joaquin Phoenix in the lead. It would be the 74-year-old actor’s first ever role in a comic film. Robert De Niro’s role would be of a news reporter that would drive Phoenix to the brink of madness and become the villain, Joker. It is reported that the script will be linked to De Niro’s film “King of Comedy” where a failed comedian abducts a new anchor to gain fame. However, the roles will be reversed and De Niro would be playing the reporter. Also read: Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker movie receives a title and release date The Warner Bros. will be giving the famous villain, its standalone film for the very first time. In the official press announcement it was said “the film centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Phillips’ exploration of a man disregarded by society is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.” Not only is a standalone for Joker in process but a movie with Jared Leto, who played a role in Suicide Squad, is in the making. The shooting of the film is expected to begin in September this year.Warner Bros has announced October 4, 2019 as the release date of the currently untitled film.