Robert De Niro br Addresses 'Joker' br Controversy DeNiro made the br comments in a br recent interview. In the film, the 76-year-old br Oscar winner plays late night br talk show host Murray Franklin. Some 'Joker' critics have br claimed that that the Warner Bros. br production could inspire violence Others have called br out Warner Bros. for br the company's connections br to the National Rifle Association (NRA). Robert De Niro, br via 'Variety' De Niro also spoke about working br with director Todd Phillips, Joaquin br Phoenix and the inspirations 'Joker' br took from his own iconic roles. Robert De Niro, br via 'Variety' Robert De Niro, br via 'Variety' 'Joker' br opens Oct. 4.