Get A Load Of Joaquin Phoenix As The Joker In First-Look Pic And Footage

Joaquin Phoenix looks ready for a life of crime.

Director Todd Phillips posted a first look of the actor as The Joker in his untitled origins movie on Sunday ― perhaps before the villain’s makeup transformation into Batman’s nemesis, Variety reported.

“Arthur,” reads the caption, giving credence to earlier reports that the character’s real name would be Arthur Fleck.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the plot follows Arthur’s arc from a struggling stand-up comedian to infamous criminal. It’s been described as a “gritty character study.”

We’re not sure if the scruffy Prince Valiant hairstyle screams “gritty,” but we’re willing to reserve judgement until when and if Phoenix puts on the traditional Joker clown cosmetics and green hair.

TMZ posted apparent footage of a scene shot Sunday in Manhattan involving Phoenix (also without makeup) and a clown. Arthur (Phoenix) is shown grabbing the clown’s nose and rolling it down the street.

The film is scheduled for release on Oct. 4, 2019.