Joaquin Phoenix Explains His Initial 'Fear' in Taking on Joker Role

While Joaquin Phoenix has the full support and admiration of his Joker director Todd Phillips, the actor needed some time to overcome his nerves in taking on the iconic titular role. It's no surprise, since the character is one of the most complex villains in the superhero genre. Yet even with Joaquin's history of exquisite performances, he wasn't on board immediately.

"It took me awhile [to commit]," the actor told Total Film, according to ComicBook.com. "Now, when I look back, I don't understand why." He confirmed, "There was a lot of fear, yeah."

Phoenix elaborated:

“But I always say there’s motivating fear and debilitating fear. There’s the fear where you cannot make a f**king step, and there’s the kind where it’s like, ‘OK, what do we do? That’s not good enough.’ And you’re digging deeper and deeper. I love that kind of fear. It guides us, makes us work harder.”

Phoenix continued:

"I thought that here was this film, and these characters, where it wouldn’t be easy for you as an audience. There are times where you’re going to feel yourself connected to him, and rooting for him, and times when you should be repulsed by him. And I like that idea of challenging the audience, and challenging myself to explore a character like that. It’s rare to explore characters like that in any movies, but specifically in the superhero genre.”

Joker will open in theaters on Oct. 4.