10 Upcoming Comic Book Films (And Who Should Direct Them)

7. Joker Origin Movie: Ben Wheatley

Ben Wheatley isn't a name that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to big budget blockbusters, but his most recent directorial effort - Free Fire - must surely have people talking.

Although divisive upon its release, Free Fire was a fun, slapstick action comedy with real grit, a great cast, and an even greater premise. Its own sense of humour is equally noteworthy, and Wheatley's other projects - Sightseers and High-Rise particularly - display the same kind of quality. The writer/director has plenty of range too, with A Field in England fitting the description of a psychological horror more so than the black comedy of his other works.

If it's true that Martin Scorsese is behind this upcoming, self-contained Joker story, then there's a chance that Wheatley could actually be in contention. Free Fire was, after all, produced by Scorsese, and while a Joker story would be a massive leap from the director's other projects, it's hard not to envision that he'd be a good pick for the job, particularly if it's looking to portray the clown prince's early, pre-acid bath years.