Martin Scorsese reportedly producing a new origin film for Batman’s nemesis, The Joker

BATMAN’S nemesis The Joker is set to get his own origin story on the big screen, with Martin Scorsese attached to the project in a key role.

THE Joker may be getting his own origin tale.

Sources tell Variety that War Dogs and The Hangover director Todd Phillips is in talks to co-write and direct an untitled movie centred on the origins of the most iconic Batman villain, the Joker.

Martin Scorsese is in talks to have some sort of role on the film, but it’s currently unknown what that role would be. Deadline stated that he is slated to produce.

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Jack Nicholson as the Joker.

Jared Leto as the Joker.

This yet-to-be announced new banner under DC Comics would give the studio the opportunity to expand the canon with unique story angles that aren’t included in its current cinematic universe.

Scott Silver will join Phillips as a co-writer on the film, which will delve into what it took for the Joker to become a mastermind criminal.

Sources say the story will take place in the 1980s and have more of the look of a gritty crime drama than comic book movie, which had a lot to do with getting Scorsese’s commitment to the project.

Jared Leto most recently played the Clown Prince of Crime in Suicide Squad, and is likely to reprise that role in Suicide Squad 2, but will not be featured in this film, as Phillips will look to cast someone else.

Best known for his comedies like The Hangover franchise, Phillips has been trying to jump into new genres for years.

He previously eyed The Gambler remake at Paramount that Rupert Wyatt ended up directing.

The Joker would become the second Batman villain to get their own stand-alone origin film. Halle Berry starred as Catwoman in the eponymous 2004 flick, which was a box office bomb.

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese. Picture: David Shankbone

Cesar Romero as the Joker in the 1960s TV series.