The anticipation surrounding Joker 3 in the wake of Joker: Folie à Deux has sparked numerous discussions. While the character of Arthur Fleck, brought to life by Joaquin Phoenix, has left a lasting impact since the film’s debut, the question arises: is there a genuine demand for more stories set in his universe? In 2019, director Todd Phillips firmly stated that his vision for the iconic DC villain was strictly a standalone project. However, five years later, with the release of the sequel featuring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, the cinematic landscape has shifted, suggesting a shift towards franchise expansion.
Ignoring the mixed reviews of Joker: Folie à Deux, it’s essential to recognize that the series has already crossed the $1 billion mark at the box office, making it one of the most lucrative character franchises in the DC canon. This financial success raises the likelihood of a third installment, a contrast to many DC characters whose storylines were discontinued after two films, such as Wonder Woman and Aquaman. Therefore, a potential Joker 3 would mark a notable milestone in DC’s cinematic storytelling.
Success of the Joker Franchise
The Original Film’s Impact
|
Joker Franchise Box Office Performance |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Movie |
Year |
Worldwide Gross |
|
Joker |
2019 |
$1,063,574,394 |
|
Joker: Madness for Two |
2024 |
$206,154,126 |
The release of Joker in 2019 was a cultural phenomenon that not only earned Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor but also carved its place as one of the highest-grossing films in the DC franchise. At the time, it notably became the first R-rated film to surpass the $1 billion mark until it was dethroned by popular franchises like Deadpool and Wolverine a few years later. This critical and commercial success set the stage for speculation around a sequel.
Jumping ahead to the recent release of Joker: Folie à Deux, it’s evident that it did not perform to the same extraordinary level, earning just over $205 million globally (as reported by Box Office Mojo). Nonetheless, the significance of the original film cannot be understated; its historical achievements continue to resonate within the industry.
The Status of Joker 3
Prospects for a Third Film
Given the monumental success of its predecessor and the Oscar recognition, it’s reasonable to assume the studios would want to explore a character-driven franchise. The ending of the first film hinted at Arthur’s full transformation into the Joker, laying groundwork for further exploration of Gotham’s dynamics, especially with the introduction of Bruce Wayne.
However, as it stands, there are currently no confirmed plans from Warner Bros or DC Studios regarding Joker 3. Todd Phillips, the director, previously shared that following the immense success of the first film, there was a push from the studio for a sequel, though it wasn’t in the original plan due to the pandemic’s impact:
“They did, like any studio would go, ‘Hey, we should do another one.’ I understand where that comes from but if you remember the timeline, COVID came rather quickly…”
In business terms, should Joker: Folie à Deux have even moderate success, another sequel might be considered. In 2019, Phillips also hinted at a project called DC Black, aimed at developing Elseworlds-style DC narratives, yet such plans haven’t materialized:
“I said, ‘This will be the first movie, and then we’ll get this director to do that…’ To which they said, ‘Okay, calm down, you’re not starting a label here at Warners.’
Todd Phillips on Joker 3: Insights and Statements
Current Situation From The Director
In recent discussions, Todd Phillips has reinforced a lack of intention to pursue Joker 3:
“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.”
This sentiment was echoed during his remarks at the Venice Film Festival, where he suggested that Arthur’s story felt complete:
“I don’t want to speak for Joaquin, but for me, the story of Arthur/Joker has been told. It’s not necessarily my goal to stay in this space.”
Interestingly, Phillips had previously stated in 2019 that there were no plans for a sequel:
“We have no plans for a sequel… The movie’s not set up to [have] a sequel. We always pitched it as one movie, and that’s it.”
At the Venice Film Festival, he discussed the lengthy journey to the sequel’s creation:
“We had joked about doing one all the time, but if we were really going to do it, it had to scare him the way the first one did…”
The potential for Joker 3 faces challenges, particularly due to the conclusion of Joker: Folie à Deux. However, if audience demand continues and a compelling concept emerges, possibilities may still exist, despite Phillips’ current stance.
Possible Returnees for Joker 3
The Cast Dynamics
Addressing the pivotal question, Joaquin Phoenix’s character, Arthur Fleck, meets his end in Joker: Folie à Deux, making his return improbable unless in a flashback or other unconventional way. Nevertheless, there are several characters from the sequel who might reappear if a Joker 3 becomes reality.
Among them, Connor Storrie’s character, who appears poised to inherit the Joker’s mantle, could be an intriguing option. His portrayal as a newcomer in the industry holds promise for character development. Additionally, Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn, who remains alive, could easily forge a connection with this new iteration of the Joker as someone who continues to be captivated by the chaotic allure of the iconic figure. Gaga has expressed enthusiasm for further exploring her character:
“I definitely don’t feel done with Lee as a character. She’s got so much to say. What an interesting gal.”
Other potential returnees include Harry Lawtey’s Harvey Dent, who faces severe repercussions from the events of Folie à Deux, as well as characters portrayed by Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener, both of whom survive. While Ricky, portrayed by Jacob Lofland, met his demise, Zazie Beetz’s Sophie Dumond could also come back into play.
Joker 3 Story Prospects: Seeds Planted in Folie à Deux
Legacy and Emerging Threats
Both Joker and its sequel deeply examine the risks of radicalization. Arthur’s evolution into a figure of chaos sparked unrest among disillusioned Gothamites, creating a mythos around the Joker that his followers, like Harley Quinn and the Young Inmate, would champion. The symbolic death of Arthur Fleck may ironically perpetuate the very chaos he sought to combat.
While Warner Bros currently remains quiet, the narrative from Joker: Folie à Deux hints at potential explorations of Arthur’s influence in Gotham. The emergence of Connor Storrie’s character, channeling the Joker’s legacy, sets a disturbing stage, particularly in the dearth of a decisive hero like Batman to restore order.
Furthermore, Harley’s possible alignment with this new Joker presents a fascinating narrative arc, reflecting her fascination with the idea of the Joker rather than the man himself. This can serve to deepen her character’s journey as she seeks motivation that resonates with her scintillating yet chaotic ideals.
The courtroom explosion also creates intriguing narrative possibilities for Harvey Dent, potentially serving as a pivotal moment in his transformation into Two-Face as he grapples with his survival and the trauma inflicted upon him. Although his disfigurement may not echo the comic origins, the sequel could explore this evolution significantly.
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