Joker: Folie à Deux marks Todd Phillips’ farewell to the DC world, closing his cycle with a work that promises to be as shocking as the first
With the arrival of “Joker: Folie à Deux” in theaters, Todd Phillips, the director behind the camera, made a statement that resonated throughout the industry: this film will be his last in the DC Universe. In a recent event, Phillips confirmed that after this sequel he will conclude his journey with the acclaimed Joker, making it clear that there are no plans to further expand this narrative or add a third chapter to the saga.
Some drastic statements
During the film’s Los Angeles premiere, Phillips shared with The Hollywood Reporter, “My time in the DC Universe was limited to these two films.” This ends any speculation about a possible third episode of the Joker saga. “It was fun to play in this sort of sandbox for two films,” he added, suggesting that with “Joker: Folie à Deux” they have already said everything they had to say in this particular universe. The story, according to the director, is completed with these two films.
The original “Joker,” released in 2019, was not only a box office hit that topped $1 billion, but it also earned Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for best actor. Despite this success, Phillips had previously confirmed that there would not be a “Joker 3.”
Doors closed to other projects
Phillips also responded to questions about a possible standalone film centered on Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga, clarifying that no such project is in the cards. “For me, I always thought that these two films existed as their own thing,” he said. This way, Gaga’s character, Lee Quinzel, will be confined to the scope of these two Joker films.
As for adapting the Harley Quinn character, Phillips revealed that he changed some exaggerated features present in previous versions to fit the tone of his Joker universe. He confirmed that these two films represent the totality of his work with these characters.
A farewell that leaves its mark on Gotham
Arthur Fleckthe central character of these acclaimed films is more than just a villain; It is a distorted mirror of society. Masterfully executed by Joaquin PhoenixFleck represents a dark and profound critique of social rifts and urban alienation. The complexity of his character marked a before and after in the way of telling stories DC Universepositioning “Joker” as a piece of cinema that challenges the limits of the superhero genre.
Comparing Fleck to others iconic villains from DC, dude Lex Luthor or Ruina notable difference is observed in the treatment of their psychologies and motivations. While Luthor and Bane often embody evil at its most theatrical and bombastic, Arthur Fleck offers a more intimate and disturbing portrait of the descent into madness, which has deeply resonated with audiences and critics.
This emotional and psychological connection with Arthur Fleck has led “Joker” to be a work as disturbing as it is thoughtful, sparking discussions on topics such as mental health and social exclusion. Joaquin Phoenixwith his visceral performance, he not only recreated the character, but reinvented him, offering a new vision that challenges traditional portrayals of villains in cinema. This ability to provoke so much admiration as controversy It’s what elevated “Joker: Folie à Deux” to iconic status, consolidating Todd Phillips’ influence on contemporary cinema, despite it being his farewell to DC Universe.
A story that leaves its mark on Hollywood
With “Joker 2”, Todd Phillips concludes his involvement in the DC universe. This film not only closes a story that began in 2019, but delves into the relationship between Arthur Fleck and Lee Quinzel, concluding the narrative arc that has kept fans in suspense.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is in theaters now, marking the end of an era for Phillips in the DC Universe and leaving an indelible mark on superhero cinema.