Joaquin Phoenix storms off after ‘Joker’ interview question gets under his skin

Storm Gifford 17 hrs ago

The Joker was in no laughing mood.

Joaquin Phoenix, star of the upcoming Batman origin story “Joker,” was so exasperated by a reporter’s question earlier this week regarding the film that he stormed off in a huff.

The Telegraph interviewer asked Phoenix if he feared that the movie “might perversely end up inspiring exactly the kind of people it’s about with potentially tragic results?”

“Why would you . . . ? No . . . no,” muttered the 44-year-old actor before exiting.

About an hour later, Phoenix completed the interview after some apparent backstage “peace-brokering” with Warner Bros.' publicity team, according to Digital Spy.

Phoenix is no stranger to enigmatic interviews. In 2009 during an appearance on “Late Show with David Letterman,” sporting shades and a shaggy beard, Phoenix awkwardly bantered with Letterman, asserting he was ditching acting for a career in rap.

“Joker” director Todd Phillips said he became accustomed to Phoenix’s mercurial moods during shooting sessions.

“In the middle of the scene, he’ll just walk away and walk out,” said Phillips, who previously helmed the “Hangover” trilogy and “Old School.” “And the poor other actor thinks it’s them and it was never them. It was always him, and he just wasn’t feeling it.”

Phoenix, who is generating serious Oscar buzz, has been nominated three times for the Academy Award for his performances in “Gladiator,” “Walk the Line” and “The Master” but has yet to snare the award. “Joker” hits theaters Oct. 4.

Video: ‘Joker’: Todd Phillips Talks Convincing Joaquin Phoenix to Get On Board (via THR):

Poster Comment:

I've got you under my skin.