Well this has been a whirlwind. Earlier this week, we learned that Alec Baldwin had been cast to play Thomas Wayne, Batman’s father, in Todd Phillips’ upcoming Joaquin Phoenix-starring Joker origin movie, reportedly playing a Donald Trump-like businessman. Baldwin then shot down the reports with a vague tweet, and now officially announces he has exited.
Speaking with USA Today, Baldwin cleared the air today.
“I’m no longer doing that movie,” Baldwin told the site, citing scheduling issues. “I’m sure there are 25 guys who can play that part.”
Frances Conroy, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz and Marc Maron also star.
While story details are being kept under wraps, it has been previously reported that the origin story for Batman’s nemesis will be more of a mid-budget crime thriller than a superhero blockbuster. The film will reportedly be made on a $55 million production budget, with it being described as “darker and more experimental in tone and content.”
Phillips is writing and directing for Warner Bros., the film set to arrive on Oct. 4, 2019.
Filming begins next month.