First Trailer Released forbr Joaquin Phoenix's 'Joker' Movie Warner Brothers have launched the first teaserbr trailer for their upcoming Joker origin story. ‘Joker’ is directed by Todd Phillipsbr and stars Joaquin Phoenix as thebr famed psychopathic character. The trailer offers a glimpse intobr the early life of the Joker and whatbr ultimately causes his descent into madness. The movie is set to hit theaters on October 4, 2019. ‘Joker’ is part of Warner Bros. latestbr attempt to distance themselves frombr the concept of an overarching cinematic universe. They officially announced their decision tobr deemphasize the interconnected universe inbr 2017 after the release of ‘Wonder Woman.’ Their new sub-brand will focus on creatingbr standalone films about various DC characters. It will allow directors to create moviesbr that play to their own strengths, ratherbr than conform to a strict set of expectations. Other movies in this categorybr are a future 'Suicide Squad’ movie,br and a horror spinoff of ‘Aquaman.