10 Things You Need To Know Before Watching Joker
4. Phoenix Didn't Want Thomas Wayne To Appear
As mentioned previously, Joker is indeed a film in its own right without any connections or nods to the rest of the DC franchise.
However, Todd Phillips has not completely shied away from some of the things we have become accustomed to seeing in movies centred around Gotham City, with Thomas Wayne set to feature in the film.
This didn't go down too well, however, with Phoenix, who was reportedly keen for the film to stand completely out on its own and away from any links to Batman and Bruce Wayne.
It seems Phoenix did eventually come round to the idea, with Phillips saying:
“It would have been easier for him if the movie was called ‘Arthur’ and had nothing to do with any of that stuff. But in the long run, I think he got it and appreciated it.”
The big hope for many will be that the film doesn't dwell too much on the actions of Wayne and his billion-dollar enterprise, and we can sit back and enjoy the transformation of Arthur into the Joker.