We might be getting a Joker sequel later this year, but don’t expect to see Joaquin Phoenix back as the DC villain after that. Director Todd Phillips is reuniting with the actor for Joker: Folie a Deux, which hits theaters in October. However, Phillips has all but ruled out Joker 3 as a possibility. So this is, in all likelihood, going to be the last time we see Phoenix as the Clown Prince of Crime.
Philips recently was profiled by Variety, ahead of the premiere of Joker: Folie a Deux at the Venice Film Festival. During the conversation, the director weighed in on a possible third Joker film. “It was fun to play in this sort of sandbox for two movies, but I think we’ve said what we wanted to say in this world,” Phillips said. So that appears to be that. Speaking further, the director did say that he would like to work with Phoenix again, on a comedy though.
“I’d love to keep working with Joaquin but on a comedy, because he can be so loose and funny,” Phillips says. “And I think people really want comedies right now. The trailer for ‘Joker 2’ sort of sums things up when it says, ‘What the world needs now is love.’ But I would go farther: We could use a good laugh too.”
Here is the synopsis for Joker: Folie a Deux
“Joker: Folie a Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.”
The original Joker was a smash hit. The R-rated film took in more than $1 billion at the global box office. It is believed to be one of the most profitable comic book films ever made. That being the case, Warner Bros. would probably have a desire to see this franchise continue. That is, assuming Folie a Deux does big business as well.
Much remains mysterious about the sequel. What we know for sure is that it’s going to include Lady Gaga as a new version of Harley Quinn. The most talked about element though is that it will be a full-blown musical. Phillips also weighed in on that, hoping that the musical nature of the film won’t turn fans away.
“I just don’t want people to think that it’s like ‘In the Heights,’ where the lady in the bodega starts to sing and they take it out onto the street, and the police are dancing,” Phillips said. “No disrespect, because I loved ‘In the Heights.’”
Joker: Folie a Deux hits theaters on October 4.
What do you think? Are you excited about the sequel? Would you like to see Joker get the trilogy treatment? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
