Here’s Why The Joker Origin Film Is A Really, Really Bad Idea

Sheesh. It's like DC is the gift that keeps on gifting. Not only does it feel like there's a new DCEU film announcement every other week, but now the latest report is that there will be a standalone Joker movie, produced by Martin Scorsese and written by Todd Phillips, no less. This Clown Prince of Crime solo outing won't involve Jared Leto, however, as it'll explore the origins of a much younger Mr. J in a gritty, crime drama. But this doesn't mean that Leto has hung up the purple coat, though, as he's purportedly still signed on for Gotham City Sirens and Suicide Squad 2. Wait, what?

It Humanizes The Character

Recommended Videos

Tied to the point before, giving the Ace of Knaves an origin humanizes the character. It gives us perspective and perhaps even empathy to why he does what he does. And this will completely destroy his whole purpose of operating as an agent of chaos. There’s supposed to be no reason to what he does, except a lust for anarchy and seeing the world burn.

Before you argue how Tim Burton did a decent job of introducing Jack Napier in 1989’s Batman, ask yourself this: how much did you actually know about Jack at the end of the day? Not much. We knew he worked for Carl Grissom and killed the Waynes. Apart from when Bruce gave us an exposition-filled monologue about his prior convictions and all that though, he sounded like any other regular mobster. There was no sympathy for the devil, so to speak.

When you’re considered the living embodiment of pure evil, showing everyone how you had a loving family, kids, and a white picket fence doesn’t exactly add to your sterling reputation. It turns you into some form of Death Wish-inspired antihero instead, with a motive for your behavior. We’d prefer it if our Joker is kept insane, irrational, and as ambiguous as humanly possible. There’s no reason for us to identify with him, since he isn’t meant to be understood in the first place.


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article ‘My day is ruined’: This furry surprise is every foodie’s grossest nightmare come to life
Screenshots of a post from TikTok user @funkyfrogbait
Read Article Oliver Stone’s 10 Best Films
platoon-1986
Read Article 5 Marvel characters Emma Corrin could be playing in ‘Deadpool 3’
Read Article ‘The Rings of Power’ EP promises a darker, grittier, and scarier second season
the lord of the rings sauron
Read Article What is the new student debt relief plan? How to sign up for student loan forgiveness, explained
Protest for student debt relief
Related Content
Read Article ‘My day is ruined’: This furry surprise is every foodie’s grossest nightmare come to life
Screenshots of a post from TikTok user @funkyfrogbait
Read Article Oliver Stone’s 10 Best Films
platoon-1986
Read Article 5 Marvel characters Emma Corrin could be playing in ‘Deadpool 3’
Read Article ‘The Rings of Power’ EP promises a darker, grittier, and scarier second season
the lord of the rings sauron
Read Article What is the new student debt relief plan? How to sign up for student loan forgiveness, explained
Protest for student debt relief
Author
Sergio Pereira
SERGIO PEREIRA is a speculative fiction writer from Johannesburg, South Africa. He has a strong interest in comic books, film, music and comedy. When he's not reading or writing, he enjoys a game of Pro Evolution Soccer, watching football, catching up on films, and playing with his dog. His short stories have appeared in various magazines and anthologies, such as Devolution Z, Death Throes, Centum Press's 100 Voices, and Tales from the Lake: Vol. 3 from Crystal Lake Publishing.