Warner Brothers Filming Set For Newark As ‘Joker’ Comes To NJ

NEWARK, NJ — The Joker’s next scheme may take place on the streets of Newark.

On Monday, Newark city officials announced that several streets will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 13 to Wednesday, Oct. 17 in connection with shooting for an upcoming feature film from Warner Brothers.

“Due to the traffic congestion resulting from this event, we are encouraging those traveling in the area to allow for extra time and to plan alternative routes,” the Newark Department of Public Safety stated. (See a list of affected streets below)

Patch reached out to Newark city and police officials seeking confirmation on what film Warner Brothers will be shooting and was referred to the company for further questions. However, 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.

Last week, casting agency Grant Wilfley Casting Inc. announced that it was seeking extras to appear in Warner Brothers’ new "Joker" movie, which is expected to be released in 2019. The company had sought to set up shoots in shoots in Jersey City on Sept. 30 and Nov. 9, and in Newark on Oct. 15 and 16, NJ.com reported.

• See related article: 'Joker' Movie Casting Extras In 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).

Patch reached out to Warner Brothers for more information about the upcoming filming in Newark; we’ll include any reply we receive in this article.

• 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

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page here. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: YouTube / JoBlo Movie Trailers

With previous reporting by Katie Kausch