Ahead of its wide theatrical release, director Todd Phillips' DC film Joker will make its big debut during the Venice Film Festival in Italy, which begins in late August.
While most fans will have to wait until October to catch Phillips' villain-focused character study on the big screen, some will have the chance to see it early. It has been rumored that Joker would be premiering at the Venice Film Festival, which runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7. Those rumors have now been confirmed. Shortly thereafter, the film will have its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, which runs from Sept. 5 to Sept. 15.
The upcoming Joker revolves around Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian trying to care for his mother. Eventually, the unrelenting cruelty of society compels him to turn to a life of crime and become the titular supervillain.
However, Phillips has clarified that the movie will not adapt any of the comic books stories, nor are audiences likely to see Fleck or anyone else actually refer to the "Joker." According to Phillips, the film will take a deep dive into the psyche of the character and observe him as he becomes the Joker.
Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais and Shea Whigham. The film arrives in theaters Oct. 4.
(via Variety)