'Joker 2' In Development With Original Movie's Director Returning
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Featured Image Credit: DC/Warner Bros.
Despite the fact that very, very few people out there would argue that it needs a sequel, 2019's Joker is getting exactly that. The good news? The movie's original director Todd Phillips is returning to write the DC sequel, which would at least suggest that he has some good ideas for a follow-up.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. has enlisted Phillips - who co-wrote and directed Joker - to work his magic on the sequel. The idea of a second movie was floated almost immediately after the first film proved a hit with fans and critics, but Phillips said at the time he felt Warner Bros. was giving him space to come up with an idea worthy of a sequel before committing.
Joker might not be in it (as far as we know right now) but take a look at the trailer for the upcoming Batman game Gotham Knights below!
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"Well there was [that push] even before Joker came out," the director told IGN at the time. "A movie does that kind of business and became that beloved around the world - they had talked to us about it. Joaquin [Phoenix] and I had spoken about it anyway as far back as when we were shooting the movie. But in all honesty we haven't gone any further on it. Even Warner Bros. hasn't. I think they're just giving us time, and if we can figure it out, and if Joaquin's down to do it, we would do it. But we haven't gotten near that yet."
Phillips also made it clear he wouldn't be coming back to do a sequel unless he could come up with a story that meant something in the same way that the first one did. Joker was praised at the time for its depiction of a society that shuns and ignores those living with mental health issues, as well as the consequences of the ever-growing divide between the rich and the poor.
There's a lot riding on this sequel, then. I should also stress we have no idea if Joaquin Phoenix would return to the role. He's said in the past he'd be open to coming back again, but the actor has typically avoided franchises and role reprisals for much of his career. Again, it seems, the script and central idea would have to be just right. No pressure.
Topics: News, Warner Bros., DC, Batman
