Martin Scorsese could be producing a Joker origin story with Todd Phillips directing – and we’re not joking…

In what might just be both the strangest, weirdest and blindingly cool piece of news of 2017, some unexpected details have been reported from the world of Warner Bros, DC Comics, and their expanded cinematic universe – and we mean REALLY unexpected.

Firstly, the film in question: WB and DC are looking at expanding their slate even further with word from Deadline is that a Joker origins story is in the works with 8 Mile writer Scott Silver attached to work on the script. It’s still in the very early stages of development but what is known is that the film would not have Jared Leto reprise his role from last summer’s Suicide Squad.

If that wasn’t enough, “get a load” of this: famed filmmaker Martin Scorsese – yep, you’re eyes aren’t deceiving you – is set to produce the film with The Hangover and War Dogs director Todd Philips set to be in the director’s chair. Amongst all of the surprises that have come from the DCEU, and indeed comic book movies as a whole, this is wholly surprising but, you know, it just might work.

Deadline says that the studios have “the intention is to make a gritty and grounded hard-boiled crime film set in early-’80s Gotham City that isn’t meant to feel like a DC movie as much as one of Scorsese’s films from that era, like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull or The King Of Comedy.”

Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stranger right? If this trio can pull this off, it could be something very special indeed. And our early choice for a new, younger Joker: Will Poulter. Once you’ve seen Detroit you’ll see it too.