In spite of their massive success, some performers just can’t get into superhero movies. Actor and comedian Marc Maron has repeatedly expressed a dismissive attitude toward the genre in various episodes of his WTF podcast. So it came as a bit of a surprise when director Todd Phillips recruited him for the Joker movie. While speaking with NME, Maron discussed what attracted him to the film and explained what sets it apart from other comic adaptations.
“I think it’s a very interesting approach to this world,” said Maron. “I’ve been somewhat judgmental when it comes to comic book movies and I’ve got a little pushback in the press for being a hypocrite. Whatever I think, if you get a call and someone says, ‘Hey do you wanna do a scene with Robert De Niro and Joaquin Phoenix?’ your principals fall to the wayside.”
“If it’s relative to what I think of Marvel movies then it’s like, ‘Yeah, of course I’m gonna do that,’” continued Maron. “Oddly, it’s not that kind of movie. The approach that Todd Phillips has taken is more of an origin story and a character study of a mentally ill person that becomes The Joker. It’s more of an intimate and gritty movie with a very specific scope. It’s going to be really interesting to see how it comes out.”
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Maron went on to describe what it was like to work with the film’s impressive cast.
“It was great to meet [DeNiro] and it was great to see him work,” said Maron. “I wasn’t really beside myself because they do become people very quickly. When you’re not shooting you are just hanging around. Still, he’s Robert De Niro and the subtleties of how he does what he does is innate and amazing to watch. He’s a nice guy and kinda shy, but it was a great experience and not too much of a mindf***. Joaquin is another story. I didn’t really get to talk to him because he was pretty immersed in The Joker. I was just like, ‘I’m not gonna bother that guy’. That was fine. You just gotta respect people’s process.”
It’s also worth noting that NME’s article reveals that Maron is playing a character named Ted Marco in the film. Unfortunately, no other details were given about the nature of his role or what his relationship is to Phoenix’s Joker.
Joker will laugh its way into theaters this fall. You can share your thoughts on Marc Maron’s latest remarks in the comment section below!
