It hasn't been long since Joaquin Phoenix closed his deal to star in DC's upcoming original story "Joker," but the movie is already on the Warner Bros. calendar.

The studio has officially marked Oct. 4, 2019 as the dark film's release date, Variety reports. The announcement came Wednesday ahead of San Diego Comic-Con. It follows THR's report last week that the film will start shooting in September.

Phoenix has made it clear that he's passionate about the project. He recently told Moviefone that "the one thing that only consistently motivates [his choice of films to star in] is the character and the filmmaker," which were two great reasons to sign on for "Joker." He'll be playing one of DC Comics' most iconic antiheroes in what is described as an "exploration of a man disregarded by society that is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale."

In addition to boasting a fascinating protagonist, the film has Todd Phillips directing. He co-wrote the script with Scott Silver. Emma Tillinger Kosoff is producing, while Richard Baratta serves as executive producer.

"Joker" is set to kick off filming in New York this September, and then it won't be all that long before we can see the Clown Prince of Crime in theaters the following October.

[via: Variety]