No, this is not a joke: less than 24 hours since the news broke that a Joker origin movie was in the works, with Todd Phillips directing (and, erm, Martin Scorsese producing), word comes that another, separate movie about Batman's greatest nemesis is on the cards.
THR reports that Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the writing-directing team behind Focus, Crazy, Stupid Love and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, have been recruited to helm a Joker & Harley Quinn movie, bringing together the two iconic DC villains for their own "criminal love story". Jared Leto and Margot Robbie, who portrayed the characters in Suicide Squad, are currently negotiating a return to the roles.
The characters are among the most popular in DC's expansive rogues' gallery, frequently depicted as having a warped and often abusive romance, and indeed, The Hollywood Reporter's source says to expect "an insane and twisted love story... When Harry Met Sally on benzedrine."
The currently-untitled Joker and Harley Quinn movie can be expected shortly after the currently-in-development Suicide Squad 2, and by the sounds of it, both projects are scrambling to get made while they still have their stars on contract. The follow-up to Suicide Squad is being fast-tracked for a 2019 release date, despite not having a director – though last we heard, Jaume Collet-Sera was the frontrunner for the gig.
The DC Extended Universe is rapidly growing in all sorts of directions. In addition to the now two Joker-centric movies, plus a Joker-starring Suicide Squad sequel, there is also (deep breath) Matt Reeves' The Batman, Shazam, Wonder Woman 2, Aquaman, Batgirl, Green Lantern Corps, Cyborg, Justice League Dark and this November's Justice League all in the works.
The Joker Origin Movie In The Works With Todd Phillips And Martin Scorsese