With so many films that are in development at Warner Bros. Pictures, one of the strangest ones that will be making it’s way to theaters this October is Todd Phillips’ Joker starring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck in an original story about the origin of the Clown Prince of Crime. But because of reports that the film is not following any particular comic book, you would think that they would make it a priority to try and market this film as much as they can starting with San Diego Comic-Con, which they skipped out all together, not even a single billboard to promote the film (at least that I saw).

But it looks like they have a lot higher aspirations, as the film will be part of the Venice Film Festival at the end of August. After the line up was announced, Variety caught up with artistic chief Alberto Barbera who had only good things to say about the film, which included Phillips plea to include the film.

“Yes, as usual they said they wanted to be in a more protected situation [as with ‘A Star Is Born’ last year, which launched out of competition]. But then [director] Todd Phillips said: ‘I don’t care if I run the risk of not winning. Why shouldn’t I go in competition when I know what we’ve I’ve got on our hands?’” said Barbera.

“I have to say, Warners was convinced pretty rapidly, because it’s a really surprising film. It’s the most surprising film we’ve got this year…This one’s going straight to the Oscars even though it’s gritty, dark, violent. It has amazing ambition and scope.”

I do think that this film will surprise a lot of people, but Oscar buzz? It would seem to good to be true for a film based on a Batman character but this wouldn’t be the first time it would happen. At the 81st Academy Awards, the late Heath Ledger won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight.

Barbera is not the only one hyping up this film. Erick Webber, editor-in-chief for AWARDS ACE, talked to someone who has seen the film and insists that Phoenix “will be nominated” for next year’s Oscars and he describes his character “dark, disturbing & unforgettable”. You can check out the Tweet below!

EXCLUSIVE: Source who's seen JOKER tells me Joaquin Phoenix "will be nominated" for #Oscars2020 Best Actor, calling Phoenix "dark, disturbing & unforgettable" https://t.co/znrHDKkwvh #Joker

— 𝔼𝕎 AWARDS ACE (@ErickWeber) July 29, 2019

What do you think of this early buzz for Joker? Are you excited to see this film? Let us know in the comment section below!

Warner Bros. Pictures Joker hits theaters everywhere October 4th, 2019.

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Source: Variety, Twitter