joker
Is the Joker back? Courtesy/Rocksteady

The first trailer for the director Todd Phillips' "Joker" was released Wednesday offering audiences a glimpse into a new take on Batman’s arch enemy.

Set in the early 80s, the film follows failed standup comedian Arthur Fleck’s life in Gotham and how being disregarded by society begins to drive him insane. The trailer teases this breakdown, showing how life in Gotham begins to wear on Arthur while he tries to "put on a happy face."

It also teases Arthur's relationship with his mother, who he has to care for, as well as his love interest Sophie Dumond.

There are also the first looks at a prominent talk show host, played by Robert DeNiro, who may have taken a page from his role as Rupert Pupkin in "The King of Comedy."

Also in the trailer is Thomas Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s father, who is believed to play an important part in the Joker's .

The first reactions to come out for “Joker” came from CinemaCon, where the trailer debuted ahead of being released online. Overall, reactions from trades and insiders have been positive for "Joker," praising the psychological and disturbing portrayal.

Several members of the press took to Twitter to express their pleasure.

Fan reactions on Twitter appear to be equally as positive.

Aside from being a different take on the Joker origin, Warner Bros. and DC hope for this to be the first in a new series of standalone films that, according to the Hollywood Reporter, may be called "DC Dark" or "DC Black." These films will be separate from their shared universe of films that include 2019's "Shazam!"or 2020's "Wonder Woman 1984."

“Joker” will be released in theaters on Oct. 4.

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