‘Joker’ Filming In Newark Will Affect NJ Transit Buses, Traffic

NEWARK, NJ — If you hit traffic or need to switch bus schedules in Newark this week, you can blame the Joker.

For weeks, Newark city officials have been warning local commuters of traffic changes and closed streets from Saturday, Oct. 13 to Wednesday, Oct. 17 in connection with shooting for an upcoming feature film from Warner Brothers.

On Thursday, NJ Transit advised its bus riders that the filming in Newark will cause disruptions at several local stops from Oct. 13 to 16. (Click here to see the changes)

“Customers are strongly encouraged to board, alight and make connections to other lines at Newark Penn Station during these detours, due to anticipated high traffic and passenger volume in downtown Newark,” NJ Transit stated.

While city and police officials were mum about the name of the film, a police spokesperson confirmed that the working title for the film as provided to city officials for the permit was "Romeo," the same as one recently provided to Jersey City officials prior to shooting in their city for the upcoming “Joker” movie, which is expected to be released in 2019.

• See related article: Warner Brothers Filming Set For Newark As 'Joker' Comes To NJ

The movie will reportedly center around the iconic villain’s origin story as a failed comedian in 1980's Gotham City. Joaquin Phoenix is the latest actor to be cast as the eponymous Joker, following Jared Leto and Heath Ledger's recent turns as the Clown Prince of Crime.

Director Todd Phillips has been offering social media teases of Phoenix’s clown makeup and the pre-origin appearance of the infamous Batman nemesis, including a spine-tingling camera test of “Arthur,” the film’s protagonist.

Phillips also teased another major character in the movie, played by Zazie Beetz of Deadpool 2 fame (see below).

• See related article: Creepy 'Trump Joker' Leers Down From N.J. Billboard

NEWARK STREET CLOSURE INFORMATION

Saturday, October 13th, beginning 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., the following streets will be closed:

• Market Street between Mulberry and Halsey Street
• Beaver Street between Market Street and Clinton Street

Parking will be restricted 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:

• Both sides of Beaver Street between Clinton and Market Street
• South side of Clinton Street between Broad Street and Beaver Street

Sunday, October 14th, beginning 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., the following streets will be closed:

• Market Street between Mulberry Street and Washington Street
• Halsey Street between Bank Street and Maiden Lane
• Branford Place between Washington Street and Broad Street

Parking will be restricted 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:

• Both sides of Branford Place between Washington Street and Broad Street
• Both sides of Halsey Street between Bank Street and Maiden Lane
• Both sides of Washington Street between Academy Street and Market Street

Monday, October 15th, beginning 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., the following streets will be closed:

• Market Street between Mulberry Street and University Avenue
• Washington Street between Raymond Boulevard and Market Street
• Halsey Street between William Street and Bank Street
• Academy Street between Broad Street and University Avenue
• Branford Place between Washington Street and Broad Street

Parking will be restricted 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. at:

• Both sides of Washington Street between Raymond Boulevard and Market Street

Tuesday, October 16th, beginning 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., the following streets will be closed:

• Market Street between Broad Street and Washington Street
• Halsey Street between William Street and Bank Street
• Branford Place between Washington Street and Broad Street

Parking will be restricted 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. at:

• Both sides of Halsey Street between William Street and Bank Street

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Photo: YouTube / JoBlo Movie Trailers