Joker Set to Be the First R-Rated, Live-Action Batman Movie

Ahead of its Oct. 4 release, Joker’s director Todd Phillips has confirmed the film is set to be rated R by the MPAA.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character, the film seems to be more of a film-noir type of drama focused on the clown makeup-wearing criminal. Detailing the origin story of the super-villain, Phoenix seems utterly terrifying in the role.

Phillips took to Instagram to post a new photo of Phoenix putting his Joker makeup on, and also answered a curious commenter to reveal the film’s rating.

However confident Phillips is of the rating, it’s certainly possible Warner Bros. insists on re-cutting the film as a more box office-friendly PG-13. If the film is to remain rated R as Phillips promises, though, it would mark the first live-action, R-rated Batman film, and only the second R-rated Batman film of any kind after the 2016 animated flick Batman: The Killing Joke. It remains to be seen whether the Caped Crusader himself—to be portrayed by Robert Pattinson in Matt Reeves’ The Batman—will actually make an appearance.

Watch the trailer for Phillips’ Joker below.