Todd Phillips’ Joker, released in 2019, became a polarizing box office hit that garnered mixed reviews but also considerable awards attention. The film became a bit of an unlikely commercial hit, becoming the first R-rated movie to gross $1 billion at the worldwide box office and even the Academy paid attention by giving the film a staggering 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, at the 92nd Academy Awards. The film’s star, Joaquin Phoenix, took home the Best Actor trophy, and due to the movie’s massive success, sequel talks began to hit the internet. Depending on who you ask, a sequel was never intended or rumors suggested a sequel could be in the cards. Does Joaquin Phoenix know about a potential sequel? The actor is now commenting on the rumors about whether or not his take on the “Clown Prince of Crime” will get a follow-up.
During a chat with “The Playlist“, Phoenix revealed that he honestly doesn’t know if Joker 2 is in the works. That being said, he believes there is a lot more to explore with the character and he seemed to suggest that he’d be open to reprising the role again. He was careful with his words a bit by simply saying he is interested in playing an “interesting character” in an “interesting movie” but he didn’t outright say a sequel was out of the question. Here is more of what he had to say:
“I mean, I dunno. From when we were shooting, we started to —you know, uhh, this is an interesting guy. There are some things we could do with this guy and could [explore] further. But as to whether we actually will? I don’t know.”
While Joker was on its very successful run, director Todd Phillips seemed hesitant about continuing the story because he pitched Warner Bros. on Joker being a standalone film. Back in November of 2019, Phillips did indicate that a sequel could be possible but it wasn’t something that was currently in development. Phoenix has always seemed. a bit more open to the idea. After Joker’s premiere, the actor told film critic Peter Travers that there was “more to do” with the character as the “possibilities” of where he can with him are “endless.” He did make it clear that there are certain artistic standards that would need to be in a place for a sequel to happen but he has never really shunned the idea either.
Joker served as an origin story of sorts about the titular character. In the film, Phoenix played Arthur Fleck, an unsuccessful clown with a troubled personal life that spirals into a world of cynicism that ultimately inspires a massive revolution in Gotham City. The movie also stars Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Bill Camp, Shea Whigham, and Marc Maron.
I know these talks keep popping up but do YOU think Joker needs a sequel?