Alec Baldwin Withdraws From Todd Phillips’ JOKER Movie

That was quick.

By Aug. 29, 2018

Two days ago, we learned that Alec Baldwin was joining the production of Todd Phillips' Joker, in the role of Thomas "Bruce Wayne's Dad" Wayne. The news arrived via The Hollywood Reporter, who offered the following description of the character:

"...sources say the script paints Thomas Wayne as a cheesy and tanned businessman who is more in the mold of a 1980s Donald Trump."

Naturally, this set tongues a-wagging. The idea of a Trump-esque Thomas Wayne seemed bizarre, hard to wrap one's head around. But then, this being Todd Phillips' Joker, it wasn't completely out of the question: after all, this project has long been pitched as something happening outside of established DCU canon. Free from the constraints of the established mythology, the film could do pretty much whatever it wants with these characters. 

Here's the thing, though: Alec Baldwin says it ain't happening.

That's Alec Baldwin, on Twitter, denying the reports that ran earlier this week. Before we go on: some of you are probably wondering what the word "manqué" even means, but don't worry - I've gone straight to the source on this one:

"man·qué
mäNGˈkā/
adjective

having failed to become what one might have been; unfulfilled ("a starlet manqué")."

Now, at first, we weren't sure how to interpret Baldwin's tweet. Was he saying the character simply wouldn't be based on Donald Trump, or was he saying he was out of the film entirely? Just as we were in the midst of arguing about what Baldwin meant, USA Today ("the most respected newspaper in the world") came along and settled the debate for us:

Alec Baldwin has withdrawn from the role of Bruce Wayne's father Thomas in the Joker movie.

Baldwin told USA TODAY Wednesday, "I'm no longer doing that movie" citing "scheduling" issues.

"I'm sure there are 25 guys who can play that part," Baldwin said."

Well, then! That settles that! Alec Baldwin won't be playing a Donald Trump-esque Thomas Wayne in Todd Phillips' Joker movie, because Alec Baldwin won't be appearing in Todd Phillips' Joker movie, period. Per Baldwin's statement, the production will now be forced to pick from one of 25 other guys who can play the part.

This has been your daily dose of Joker drama. Please stay tuned for further updates as they roll in.

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