'Joker' Joaquin Phoenix Movie: Set Photos Show Dangerous Taxi Cab Stunt

Let it be known that stunt people are some of the hardest workers in show business. In new paparazzi set photos of Joker, the stunt double for Joaquin Phoenix’s criminal clown can be seen getting absolutely destroyed in a dangerous stunt involving a moving taxi cab.

On Monday, JustJared.com shared new photos of the New York City set of Todd Phillips’ Joker, a 1980s period piece that explores the origins of Batman’s greatest nemesis. In the pictures, the 44-year-old Joaquin Phoenix is seen running away from two Gotham City detectives, a pair played by Shea Whigham (Boardwalk Empire) and Bill Camp (Red Sparrow).

In another set of photos, Phoenix’s stunt double (identity unknown) is seen being hit directly by a yellow taxi. It’s a brutal stunt, but it appears production took every possible precaution as it seems no one was seriously injured. (Extras, on the other hand, might be a different story.)

Is Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker the most physical onscreen Joker yet? Among all pop culture’s major superheroes and supervillains, the Joker is relatively low key, always portrayed as a calculated schemer pulling the strings than someone who gets deep into his own battles.

Heath Ledger’s Joker did have a physical, however very short fight scene with Batman in 2008’s The Dark Knight. Ledger also did some of his own stunts, including hanging upside down for real in his final dialogue with Batman.

Joker will be released in theaters on October 4, 2018.