JOKER Trailer Debut Experience the first JOKER trailer! The film, directed by Todd Phillips (The Hangover, War Dogs), stars Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Bryan Callen, Shea Whigham, Brett Cullen, Marc Maron, and Robert De Niro. JOKER will be released in theaters on October 4. A failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and becomes a psychopathic murderer.