‘Joker 2’ Reportedly Still in Development Phase

Although the news on a Joker sequel has been scant for the last year and a half, it seems the movie is still in active development at Warner Bros.

With this, it has now joined the list of ‘coming soon’ blockbusters of DC Extended Universe, such as The Batman, Black Adam, The Flash, Shazam! Fury Of The Gods, etc.

Joker was a landmark comics adaptation with an exceptionally dark and gritty character drama. Led by Joaquin Phoenix’s ferocious, feral performance, it drew attention toward real-world troubles than to capes and crusading.

Considering all that, it’s only natural that a second installment has been surmised.

In a recent THR overview of all the DC movies in production at Warner Bros., we learned that a Joker sequel was also one of them. The story primarily talked about how WB wants The Flash movie to set up links to future movies in the post-Snyder world and establish the course with the casting of a Black Superman.

But while discussing the different universes these movies would be set up in, it also said:

“So far, every movie and TV show, with the exception of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson and set for release in March, HBO Max’s spinoff Gotham PD, and Joker and its planned sequel, will take place in the same universe.”

One other previous hint to a would-be sequel was when director Todd Phillips had said just after the movie’s initial release:

“When a movie does $1 billion and costs $60 million to make, of course it comes up. But Joaquin and I haven’t really decided on it. We’re open. I mean, I’d love to work with him on anything, quite frankly. So who knows?”

Todd Phillips

According to Todd, a sequel would have to have a topical richness the same way the first movie did.

Joker (2019) is vaguely based on the DC’s most infamous villain and revolves around Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill person who works as a for-hire clown. However, after losing his job and access to his medication, he gradually succumbs to lunacy.

A scene when Arthur goes to Wayne Manor and meets Thomas’s young son Bruce could be the commencement of their legendary rivalry. It would also pave the way for more installments which could include Batman too.

Sophie’s love for him, later found out to be a figment of Arthur’s imagination, is also a potential plot point.

The movie ends with Arthur escaping from a treatment session at the Arkham State Hospital and leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind.

Directed by Todd Phillips, the WB movie starred Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, etc. The screenplay was written by Todd Phillips and Scott Silver.

The film grossed a little over $1 billion at the box office and won numerous titles, including Phoenix receiving an Oscar Award for Best Actor.

Initially, it was a standalone masterpiece, not intended for another follow-up. Well, now we know there is a sequel at its early stage. But it does not have a timetable for its release yet, so the project is far from hitting the screens.

About Joker

Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller film directed and produced by Todd Phillips, who also wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver. The film, based on DC Comics characters, stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker and provides an alternative origin story for the character. Produced by Warner Bros. among others, it also stars Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Bill Camp, Shea Whigham, and Marc Maron in supporting roles.

Set in 1981, it follows Arthur Fleck, a failed clown and standup comedian whose descent into insanity and nihilism inspires a violent counter-cultural revolution against the wealthy in a decaying Gotham City.

Source: Hollywoodreporter