Jul 11, 2018 10:42 AM EST

Joaquin Phoenix Cast as Joker in Todd Phillips Origin Film

Joaquin Phoenix has been set to star in Todd Phillips' recently greenlit "Joker" origin film.

Phillips will be directing as well as co-writing the film with Scott Silver. The plot will focus on the Joker's beginning and how he grew into a crazed criminal mastermind. It's being reported that the film will be more of a gritty drama set in the 1980's than a comic-book film.

The film will begin production in September.