'Joker': Jared Leto extremely hurt that Warner Bros ditched him for Joaquin Phoenix in the Todd Phillips movie
Todd Phillips' 'Joker' is breaking all kinds of records in the box office — it has already grossed $272 million worldwide in set box office records for an October release — and has audiences across the world lining up to watch Joaquin Phoenix pull off what has been touted as an Oscar-worthy performance of the "Clown Prince of Crime".
And while Phoenix has been lapping up the plaudits from the entertainment industry and movie-goers in general, The Hollywood Reporter has claimed that Jared Leto, who played the Joker in 2016's 'Suicide Squad', felt "alienated and upset" when the film was first green-lit two years ago.
Leto reportedly questioned why Warner Bros. decided not to stick with him for the iconic role and instead opted for a new film which, as discussed, is a standalone film and not part of the interconnecting DC film storylines featuring Superman, Wonderman, Aquaman, and of course, the 'Suicide Squad'.
Nobody knew what to expect from the movie when Phillips, best known for his work in the 'Hangover' franchise, pitched the idea for it to former Warners chief Kevin Tsujihara and former production co-president Greg Silverman, though there was excitement around rumors that Martin Scorcese might be reeled in as a producer.
'The Irishman' director was indeed involved as a producer when the film was first unveiled, though that credit was eventually dropped, and while his contribution remains a mystery, critics have pointed out how 'Joker' does have elements of Scorcese's 'Taxi Driver' and 'The King of Comedy'.
What's not in doubt is its success, which has led to suggestions that there could be a sequel, an idea which Phoenix welcomed during an interview on 'Popcorn with Peter Travers'.
"I wouldn't have thought of this as my dream role," the actor said, before adding, "But now, honestly, I can't stop thinking about it."
"I talked to [director] Todd a lot about what else we might be able to do, in general, just working together, but also specifically, if there's something else we can do with 'Joker' that might be interesting. So, it ended up being a dream role. It's nothing that I really wanted to do prior to working on this movie."
That would be rubbing further salt in Leto's wounds since his Joker was seemingly killed off at the end of 'Suicide Squad' and he won't be a part of the upcoming 'Suicide Squad 2'.
