• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

The 1st 'Joker' trailer starring Joaquin Phoenix as Batman villain will give you delicious nightmares

2:24
Joaquin Phoenix confirmed as new 'Joker'
Warner Bros. Pictures
Michael Rothman
ByMichael Rothman
April 03, 2019, 3:05 PM

The first trailer for Joaquin Phoenix's take on the iconic Batman villain Joker is out and wow, it may give you serious nightmares.

Here's what we know. The villain is a man named Arthur, who loves his mother and by the looks of it, starts off as a swell guy.

"My mother always tells me to smile and put on a happy face," he says in the "Joker" clip.

Related Articles

(MORE: Vintage Superman, Batman comic lot auction grabs $6.5 million on day 1)

Arthur is seen working as a clown, advertising for a local Gotham City business.

Even though he's trying to bring joy to the world, he keeps getting picked on and roughed up by street punks.

"Is it just me, or is it getting crazier out there," he later says.

The one liners and clown imagery are mixed with an extremely thin Phoenix contorting his body in different, very strange ways.

Related Articles

(MORE: 'Avengers: Endgame' tops 'Star Wars,' breaks previous pre-sale record)

Classic Batman icons like Arkham Hospital and the creepy Joker laugh are also featured.

"I used to think that my life was a tragedy, but now i realize it's a comedy," he says at one point, revealing the classic Joker look.

The movie features an all-star cast, including Zazie Beetz, who appears to play the Joker's love interest, and Robert De Niro. Brett Cullen will take on the role of Thomas Wayne, Batman's father.

"Joker" is out in theaters this October.

Up Next in Culture—

Teddy Swims talks Coachella performance, his love of live music

April 23, 2026

Prince William, Kate Middleton's son Prince Louis turns 8

April 23, 2026

Prince Harry makes surprise visit to Ukraine

April 23, 2026

Why expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza won't be at the NFL Draft

April 23, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News