Hollywood A-lister Joaquin Phoenix, who played the Joker in the unconventionally grim movie based on the DC franchise, made rounds in Los Angeles and surprised fans at screenings at Universal Studios AMC and the Alamo Drafthouse cinema in the city’s downtown. The 44-year-old actor, casually dressed in a black hoodie for the animal rights organisation Animal Liberation Front and black jeans in contrast to his character’s vibrant-coloured outfits, appeared in front of surprised and delighted fans at the beginning of the end credits.
Phoenix, considered to be taciturn and tight-lipped during interviews, not only answered questions from the shocked audience about the premiere, but also took selfies with fans. According to reports, the actor, who played the infamous homicidal maniac, seemed to be in a good mood and shared laughs with regular viewers. However, as The Daily Mail reports, the star refused to do the infamous Joker cackle.
Word about Phoenix popping at screenings quickly spread online.
Although the movie, which sparked debate about its nihilistic tone and unconventional portrayal of the DC villain, was rated R, it still managed to set a new October record with a $96 million box office haul over the debut weekend, as Variety reports.