Joaquin Phoenix has starred in one standalone Joker film to date, the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Joker (2019). Although discussions and speculation abound regarding future installments, as of late 2023, Phoenix has only portrayed Arthur Fleck/Joker in a single, complete narrative.
The Phenomenon of Joker (2019)
Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, presented a gritty and psychologically complex origin story for the iconic Batman villain. It departed significantly from traditional superhero fare, drawing inspiration from character studies like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy. Phoenix’s performance was universally praised, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor, further cementing the film’s place in cinematic history. The film’s exploration of mental illness, societal neglect, and the descent into madness resonated with audiences, sparking intense debate and solidifying its cultural impact.
The Narrative’s Self-Containment
One of the key aspects of Joker‘s success was its deliberate isolation from the wider DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film was designed to be a standalone origin story, providing a complete and satisfying narrative arc for Arthur Fleck. This self-containment is crucial when considering the question of sequels, as it suggests that the creative team felt the story had reached a natural conclusion.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) – The Sequel Confirmed
While the initial answer stands true as of this writing, it is important to acknowledge that a sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, is scheduled for release in 2024. Joaquin Phoenix is confirmed to reprise his role as Arthur Fleck/Joker. The film will reportedly feature Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn and is rumored to be a musical, further distancing it from the traditional superhero genre. This makes it clear that Joaquin Phoenix has been in two joker movies at the time of this writing.
Speculation and Confirmation: A Timeline
Following the immense success of Joker (2019), rumors of a sequel began circulating almost immediately. However, official confirmation was slow in coming, adding to the suspense and anticipation. Finally, in June 2022, director Todd Phillips officially announced Joker: Folie à Deux with a picture of the script and Joaquin Phoenix reading it. This announcement ended months of speculation and confirmed the return of Phoenix to the iconic role.
FAQs About Joaquin Phoenix and the Joker
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Joaquin Phoenix’s involvement with the Joker character and the potential for future films:
FAQ 1: Will Joaquin Phoenix play the Joker in other DC films (besides standalone Joker movies)?
As of now, there are no plans for Joaquin Phoenix to appear as the Joker in any other DC films beyond the Joker franchise. Joker and Joker: Folie à Deux exist outside the main DCEU continuity, allowing for a unique and self-contained interpretation of the character. Warner Bros. has been explicit about keeping this version of the Joker separate.
FAQ 2: What was Joaquin Phoenix’s reaction to winning the Oscar for Joker?
Joaquin Phoenix’s acceptance speech at the 92nd Academy Awards was notable for its passionate plea for social justice and animal rights. He spoke about the importance of using one’s voice to advocate for the voiceless, drawing a connection between his art and his activism. He used the moment to advocate for environmentalism and social justice, marking it as a moment to use his platform and celebrate his craft.
FAQ 3: How did Joaquin Phoenix prepare for the role of Arthur Fleck/Joker?
Phoenix underwent a significant physical transformation, losing a considerable amount of weight to embody the gaunt and fragile Arthur Fleck. He also immersed himself in method acting techniques, spending countless hours studying psychiatric patients and experimenting with laughter to develop the Joker’s distinctive and unsettling cackle. He also studied movement and dance to create the Joker’s unique physical mannerisms.
FAQ 4: Why is Joker: Folie à Deux rumored to be a musical?
The rumored musical elements in Joker: Folie à Deux are a bold creative choice that aims to further explore the psychological complexities of Arthur Fleck and his relationship with Harley Quinn. The title itself, Folie à Deux (French for “madness shared by two”), suggests a shared descent into insanity, and the musical format could provide a unique way to depict this shared experience. The music might portray the internal dialogue and emotional states of the characters.
FAQ 5: Who is directing Joker: Folie à Deux?
Todd Phillips, who directed and co-wrote Joker (2019), is returning to direct and co-write Joker: Folie à Deux. This continuity in creative leadership suggests that the sequel will maintain the same stylistic and thematic elements that made the first film so successful.
FAQ 6: What is the release date for Joker: Folie à Deux?
As of this writing, Joker: Folie à Deux is scheduled for release on October 4, 2024. This release date coincides with the five-year anniversary of the release of Joker (2019).
FAQ 7: How does Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker differ from other iterations of the character?
Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is distinct from previous versions in its emphasis on realism and psychological depth. Unlike the more overtly theatrical or cartoonish portrayals, Phoenix’s Joker is grounded in a believable, albeit disturbing, depiction of mental illness and societal alienation. The focus on Arthur Fleck’s backstory provides a unique perspective on the character’s descent into madness.
FAQ 8: Was there any controversy surrounding the release of Joker (2019)?
Yes, the release of Joker (2019) was met with some controversy due to concerns about its portrayal of violence and mental illness. Some worried that the film could inspire real-world violence, leading to heightened security at some theaters. However, these concerns ultimately proved unfounded, and the film was widely praised for its artistic merit.
FAQ 9: What is the meaning of “Folie à Deux” in the context of the sequel?
“Folie à Deux” refers to a rare psychiatric syndrome in which two or more individuals share the same delusional beliefs. In the context of the sequel, it suggests a deep and shared psychosis between Arthur Fleck/Joker and Harley Quinn, implying a codependent and potentially destructive relationship. The “madness shared by two” is central to the film’s narrative.
FAQ 10: How did Joker (2019) impact the superhero genre?
Joker (2019) challenged the conventions of the superhero genre by offering a character-driven, standalone narrative that prioritized psychological realism over traditional superhero tropes. Its success demonstrated that audiences were receptive to more mature and nuanced interpretations of comic book characters, paving the way for future films to explore darker and more complex themes. It proved that superhero derived movies could be viewed as more than “just comicbook films.”
FAQ 11: Will there be a Joker 3 with Joaquin Phoenix?
While the success of Joker (2019) and the anticipation surrounding Joker: Folie à Deux make a third film a possibility, there are currently no confirmed plans for a Joker 3. Whether a third film will be made likely depends on the critical and commercial reception of Joker: Folie à Deux and Joaquin Phoenix’s willingness to reprise the role again.
FAQ 12: Is it necessary to see the Batman movies to understand the Joker films with Joaquin Phoenix?
No, it is not necessary to see any of the Batman movies to understand the Joker films starring Joaquin Phoenix. These films are designed as standalone stories that offer a unique and independent interpretation of the Joker character. While they exist in the broader DC universe, they do not rely on prior knowledge of Batman lore. The focus is on Arthur Fleck’s origin and psychological journey, not on his relationship with Batman.