Here’s some interesting DCU buzz that’s been circulating this week.
In a 2022 interview, Zach Cregger (“Barbarian”) revealed he wrote a spec script set in Gotham, which he described as “the best thing I’ve ever written” and something he hoped to one day discuss with DC/WB—even though at that time he hadn't spoken to anyone at the studio.
Three years later, we have Daniel Richtman reporting that Cregger intends to pitch a Joker film to DC, although it wasn’t confirmed whether he had done so yet. Another insider, Nexus Point News, confirmed the script’s existence, and that it wouldn’t completely center on just Joker, but also have a henchman of his as co-lead. The whole thing has yet to be pitched.
Cregger, fresh off “Barbarian” and the buzzy “Weapons,” is set to shoot his “Resident Evil” reboot for Sony in September. As far as we know, he doesn’t have anything else lined up after that. It would make sense for Gunn to, at the very least, set up a meeting with Cregger, who is suddenly one of the most in-demand filmmakers in town. The DCU would be lucky to have him.
That said, maybe it’s time for Warner Bros. to hit pause on the Joker for a bit. With ‘Folie à Deux’ crashing at the box office, the character could use some breathing room before yet another reinvention. That’s why Cregger’s take—shifting the focus to a henchman and letting the Joker play second fiddle, or at least share the spotlight—might be the fresh angle the franchise needs.
Still, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the idea of exploring the Joker’s world through the eyes of the very people he manipulates and destroys.
Would you be interested in seeing Cregger’s take on it? I’m holding off on judgment until I catch “Weapons. “Hopefully, Cregger proves he’s more than a one-hit wonder. “Barbarian,” despite my issues with its final act,” was sharply crafted and had a distinct voice. That’s exactly the kind of fresh vision the DCU should be aiming for.
Edward Berger seems to have settled on what comes next. His Lance Armstrong biopic, starring Austin Butler, is now holding casting calls, with production eyed for January.