One of the most highly anticipated comic book movies of 2019 is still on the horizon. Joker, directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix in the title role, is a movie that many are very curious about for being an origin of one of the most famous comic book villains. However, despite Joker’s claim to fame in the comic book world, this film will separate itself by being vastly different from the comics.

During a recent interview from Empire Magazine, Todd Phillips described the film as a hyper-intense low budget comic book movie that is essentially it’s own beast. He elaborates on this by stating, “We didn’t follow anything from the comic-books, which people are gonna be mad about. We just wrote our own version of where a guy like Joker might come from.” He expressed that it’s still an origin story, but not so much about the Joker as it is about “Becoming the Joker.” He also show a lot of excitement for Joaquin taking on the role, believing that this version will reinvent the character.

Phillips, of course, is skeptical of fan reaction due to how passionate they get when certain aspects of the material aren’t adapted properly. Considering how this is still a completely different take on the character, it might work well since other Joker adaptations didn’t always take from the comic. Heath Ledger’s version of the character in The Dark Knight didn’t even fall into acid- he’s just a guy in make-up- and that version is considered the best Joker by many. Phillips and Phoenix might have something worthwhile it Joker stays true to the essence of the character while also being its own thing.

Joker is set for release on October 4th 2019.