Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix surprised many when they announced a sequel to their Oscar-winning film, Joker. The original Joker seemed like a standalone film, not something that would spawn sequels. But now, with Joker: Folie à Deux, it’s clear that the allure of expanding the story was too strong to resist. However, for those hoping this will lead to a trilogy, you might want to temper your expectations.
In an industry where sequels and trilogies have become the norm, director Todd Phillips has made it clear that he’s not interested in continuing beyond this second instalment. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Phillips confirmed that he’s done exploring the DC Universe after this film, stating, “It’s not really where this movie is headed for me. I feel like my time in the DC Universe was these two films.” So, while fans might wish for more stories from this dark corner of Gotham, it seems Phillips is ready to move on.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the end for the Joker or the world that Phillips created. Other directors or writers could potentially take the reins and continue the story. But any future films in this universe would likely have a different tone or direction. Given the mixed critical reception that Joker: Folie à Deux has already received, a fresh approach might be welcome.
The first Joker film was a monumental success, both critically and financially. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and the movie itself was nominated for 11 Oscars. With over US$1 billion in global box office earnings, it became the highest-grossing R-rated film at the time. From the outset, both Phoenix and Phillips were open to the idea of a sequel. It was always a question of finding the right story to tell.
In Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, who is institutionalised at Arkham Asylum, awaiting trial for the crimes he committed as the Joker. The film explores Arthur’s struggles with his identity while also introducing a love story with Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn and a musical element, showcasing the inner chaos that continues to define him.
While Joker: Folie À Deux marks the end of Phillips’ journey with the character, it remains a much-anticipated follow-up to one of the most successful R-rated films in history. Whether or not someone else continues this dark vision of Gotham remains to be seen.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
