Joaquin Phoenix's Angry Outburst While Filming "Joker" Was Apparently Just A Prank That Didn't Go To Plan

According to Joker's cinematographer Lawrence Sher, who the outburst was aimed at, the whole thing went over everybody's heads because Phoenix is "such a good actor".

A crew member who worked on new movie Joker has come forward to explain that a video apparently showing an angry outburst from leading star Joaquin Phoenix was actually just a prank.

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The video, which showed Phoenix cursing out a crew member called Larry while between takes on set, seemed to take the actor by surprise when it was aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live recently.

Warners Bros. / ABC

The video, which had been sent to Kimmel's team by Joker director Todd Phillips, showed Phoenix trying to film a scene when he appears to be interrupted by somebody whispering in the background.

"You know...just the constant whisper...just shut the fuck up, dude," Phoenix says. Seeming to respond to being called Cher on-set because of his diva antics, Phoenix continues: "I know you started the fucking Cher thing, Larry... You think it's fucking funny making fun of me."

The clip ends with Phoenix saying, "Fuck! I can't do this, man!" before storming off-camera.

Appearing to have no clue that the video was going to be broadcast during the interview and looking visibly awkward, Phoenix said that he was "embarrassed" by the footage, adding that it was "supposed to be private".

ABC

Speaking to Kimmel after the video was played, Phoenix said: "Look, sometimes movies get intense because you're a lot of people in a small space trying to find something, so it can feel intense."

He added: "But...that was supposed to be private...I'm...um...I'm a little embarrassed. I'm sorry about that."

Explaining what apparently went down on set, Phoenix said that he found it hard to concentrate while filming due to a crew member called Larry "[whispering] constantly".

ABC

Appearing to give a sincere apology to Kimmel and the studio audience, Phoenix concluded: "My publicist will issue a formal statement tomorrow...um, yeah. Can we move on?"

But now, days after the interview aired, the crew member in question has been interviewed himself, alleging that the whole thing was actually a prank that just didn't go to plan.

Warners Bros. / ABC

Claiming that he too also had no idea that the footage was going to be aired, Joker cinematographer Lawrence Sher told Business Insider: "It was a bit. Joaquin is actually a super-playful guy and loose."

According to Sher, the prank was Phoenix's idea and was aimed at director Todd Phillips. But the joke didn't quite go to plan because, according to Sher, Phoenix is "such a good actor that nobody even got it on set".

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"He played it too straight," the cinematographer added.

BuzzFeed has reached out to reps of Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips, as well as Warner Bros., for comment.