Joaquin Phoenix puts on a happy face in new 'Joker' trailer

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GOTHAM — From the look of its new trailer, the Joaquin Phoenix-starring “Joker” will be anything but a typical comic book movie.

The first trailer for the film, which is due out Oct. 4, debuted Wednesday morning.

It’s an origin story for the legendary DC Comics villain. The movie is set in 1981 and will follow Arthur Fleck (Phoenix), a failed comedian who becomes a psychopathic killer, according to Indiewire.

It looks as if “Joker” will follow in the “Dark Knight” trilogy’s footsteps, telling its story in a dark, sinister Gotham City.

In the trailer, Phoenix says his mother always told him to “smile and put on a happy face.” But it quickly takes a dark turn, with a few demented Joker laughs from Phoenix set to Jimmy Durante’s “Smile” thrown in a surreal combination.

It’s possible that “Joker” will focus in part on the titular character’s mental health.

The trailer begins with Fleck talking to what appears to be a therapist or psychologist. It also briefly shows Fleck’s diary, in which he has written: “The worst part about having a mental illness is people expect you to behave as if you don’t.”

The film’s heaviness will be a change for producer-director Todd Phillips, who is known for comedies such as “The Hangover,” “Old School” and “Starsky and Hutch.”

“Joker” also stars Bryan Tyree Henry, Zazie Beetz, Robert de Niro and Marc Maron alongside Phoenix.

Phillips’ film won’t be connected to the larger DC Comics movie universe, which includes films such as “Justice League” and “Aquaman,” according to Indiewire.

It’s not the only Joker movie in production right now.

At least three new films are currently in development that will feature Jared Leto as the Joker. Leto previously played the character in 2016’s “Suicide Squad.” A sequel for that movie has been announced and is expected in 2021, according to IMDB.

Two other “Suicide Squad” spinoffs have been announced, according to IMDB. One will focus solely on the Joker, while a second will include the Joker and his love interest Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie.

In addition to Phoenix and Leto, Cameron Monaghan is currently playing the Joker in the Fox TV show “Gotham.”

What do you think of the new “Joker” trailer? Let us know in the comments.

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