Why Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker might be getting an R-rating

The DC universe might be heading towards its first mature-rated movie with the premiere of Joker this October. The movie features Joaquin Phoenix who plays the titular role of Joker.

Multiple online outlets have reported that the upcoming film has already been given an R-rating. But the anti-hero flick hasn’t been given officially rated R. Despite a lack of official ruling, the general consensus indicates that the new Joker origin film will be R-rated by the time it hits theaters.

With the film’s released trailers, it’s not hard to believe that the movie will contain violence and mature subject matter.

The film’s story explores the origins of the most iconic supervillain in the DC comics universe. The clown prince of crime is an arch nemesis to the dark knight, Batman. However, we might not be seeing the caped crusader in this film as the story focuses on Joker’s identity. It answers questions about who he was, and what made him into who he is now.

The Joker has been portrayed only thrice in the silver screen. First by Jack Nicholson in the 1989 film Batman. Most recently, the villain was brought to life onscreen by Oscar winner Jared Leto in 2016’s Suicide Squad. The most memorable portrayal of the clown prince of crime is widely considered to be Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight (2008). Ledger won an Oscar for his compelling performance but tragically didn’t live to receive the award himself.

Now fans are excited to see acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix play the iconic role. The actor has said about the film, “I think, underneath the excitement of these films, and the size of them, there are these incredible characters that are dealing with real-life struggles

Samantha Rigby
Samantha Rigby
Samantha is the head of content, lifestyle and entrepreneurial columnist for Best in Australia. She is also a contributor to Forbes and SH. Prior to joining the Best in Au, she was a reporter and business journalist for local newspapers.
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