Fresh off the news that Warner Brothers and DC are in the early stages of developing a Joker origin movie that seemingly nobody wants, now comes some more positive news on who may play the infamous Clown Prince of Crime.

Following the news of this Joker movie – which will be developed as an origin movie that exists outside of the DC Extended Universe – one of the more notable pieces of information was that Jared Leto wouldn’t be a part of the picture. While Leto would still be returning as the Jester of Genocide for Suicide Squad 2 and Gotham City Sirens, a younger actor was being sought to play Batman’s longtime nemesis in said origin film. And now, it appears that Leonardo DiCaprio is the top choice for that particular gig.

Courtesy of Heat Vision, it’s being reported that DiCaprio is the man who Warners want for their next cinematic incarnation of Mr. J, although no offer has been made to the actor at this stage. While The Hangover’s Todd Phillips is on directing duties for the Joker film, more interesting here is that Martin Scorsese is set to sign on to produce. Scorsese, of course, has worked with DiCaprio on pictures such as Gangs of New York, The Departed, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street.

As mentioned, the original word was that The WB were looking for a younger actor to play the Joker in this movie. While DiCaprio is younger than Leto, there’s not that much in it; Leto is 45, DiCaprio is 42. If they could get Leo on board then it would certainly please many fans, and over the decades the talented DiCaprio has often been compared to a man who himself is no stranger to the Joker – Batman’s Jack Nicholson.

The current plan for this to-be-titled Harlequin of Hate effort is for it to be a “gritty hard-boiled crime film set in an early-‘80s Gotham City” with the feel of Scorsese’s iconic Taxi Driver.

So far, the response to this Joker movie happening hasn’t exactly been great, with barely a good word to be said about the concept. That said, the idea of Leonardo DiCaprio potentially playing the legendary Clown Prince of Crime is one that many could quite easily get on board with.

As ever, expect more on all of this as it continues to develop.