Joaquin Phoenix might be getting the last laugh, as the legendary actor hints that Warner Bros.’ Joker could be getting a sequel. Focussing on the legendary Batman villain, Joker cleverly skirts around the Dark Knight and lifts the lid on his archnemesis instead.
Joker originally was pitched as one and done, with director Todd Phillips confirming his movie is a complete standalone with no connection to the DC Extended Universe. However, with Joker already getting the Oscar nod for Phoenix’s chilling portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime, could the Gladiator star return for another outing?

Speaking to Popcorn with Peter Travers, Phoenix admits he’s struggled to leave the Joker behind him. The 44-year-old explained, “You know, I wouldn’t have thought about this as my dream role.”
He continued, “But now, honestly, I can’t stop thinking about it.
“I talked to Todd a lot about what else we might be able to do, in general, just to work together, but also specifically, if there’s something else we can do with Joker that might be interesting.

“So, it ended up being a dream role. It’s nothing that I really wanted to do prior to working on this movie.”
Phoenix’s words are the direct opposite of what Phillips has previously said. The director has answered “No” on multiple occasions when quizzed about Joker 2. Still, that doesn’t stop the leading man reaching for the stars.
Phoenix rounded off by saying, “I don’t know that there is [more to do].
“Me and Todd would still be shooting now if we could, right? Because it seemed endless, the possibilities of where we can go with the character.”

The Joker is often regarded as the most iconic comic book villain of all time. Like Laurel and Hardy, Mulder and Scully, and Ant and Dec, it just wouldn’t be the world of Batman without the unhinged Mr. J lurking in the shadows.
Thankfully, Phoenix’s version is winning round those who were a little p*ssed at the Joker following 2016’s Suicide Squad. David Ayer’s movie has a famously troubled production, but that didn’t stop Jared Leto’s Joker being held as one of the worst parts of the ensemble piece.
While Leto is still tipped to return in some capacity, I think you’d struggle to find someone that wouldn’t want to see him replaced by Phoenix’s Joker in a full-time capacity.
As Robert Pattinson prepares to suit up as the Caped Crusader and Matt Reeves plans his own trilogy of Batman blockbusters, fans are expecting the Joker to appear at some point. Warner Bros. is already dodging the Leto question with Birds of Prey. Cathy’s Yan’s movie hones in on Harley Quinn and conveniently leaves a question mark over Puddin’s whereabouts.
Joker is causing a buzz in Tinseltown, but we’ll have to wait and see whether Phoenix get his wish or we’re left with another lacklustre Leto.
[Featured Image: Warner Bros.]