Arthur Fleck And Batman? Joker 2 Director Reveals How Joaquin Phoenix’s Character Would React To The Dark Knight

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As a seasoned gamer and comic book enthusiast with over two decades of immersion in the vibrant world of DC, I must say that Todd Phillips’ unique take on the Joker franchise is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the traditional cinematic universes that often adhere too rigidly to established narratives, this series presents a captivating and unconventional portrayal of the characters we love.

As a die-hard fan, I’m always thrilled about the expansive cinematic universes that seem to dominate comic book adaptations these days. However, it’s refreshing to see some franchises bucking this trend and standing alone. The Joker franchise is one such example, with its upcoming sequel, “Folie à Deux,” promising to be the next DC movie gracing our screens. Unlike other productions, this storyline isn’t tethered to a shared universe, but rather crafted by filmmaker Todd Phillips in his distinct way. Recently, he even gave us a sneak peek into Joaquin Phoenix’s character’s potential reaction to Batman.

In the initial release of “Joker” (available for streaming with a Max subscription), we witnessed Arthur’s interactions with a young Bruce Wayne. The conclusion of “Joker” depicted Bruce’s parents being murdered in a surge of crime triggered by Fleck, which meant that it would take several years before the now-orphaned Wayne could undergo training and ultimately transform into The Dark Knight. During an interview with IGN, the director of “The Hangover” speculated about how the character portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix might respond to Gotham’s protector. He suggested:

I believe Arthur would find Batman incredibly impressive, truly so. I think he’d admire and appreciate him immensely. I think Batman, being an alpha male, would leave Arthur awestruck. You see, Arthur had a deep fascination for individuals who exuded a sense of ease, and Batman is not one of them. In the first movie, Murray Franklin was such a person at ease. I imagine that Arthur saw his colleagues as those who were at ease, and what he could never become was someone at ease himself.

It appears that instead of attempting to make Batman grin or engage him in street brawls in Gotham, Arthur will find himself astonished by the revered DC character. This might come as a shock for dedicated comic book fans, but this new character doesn’t adhere to the same principles as The Joker.

Information about “Joker: Folie à Deux” is scarce, making it uncertain if Bruce Wayne will appear or be mentioned during the movie. However, it’s safe to assume Batman won’t make an appearance, so we won’t see the scene Todd Phillips refers to. Also, since he’s not planning on “Joker 3”, that specific character interaction likely won’t occur in reality.

Still, the cast list for Joker 2 is nothing to ignore, especially it leading duo Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. The trailer for Folie à Deux have teased the musical numbers that’ll be included in the forthcoming sequel, which is an interesting departure from its predecessor. But after the first movie earned Phoenix an Oscar, Todd Phillips and company are seemingly able to take even bigger risks.

Although Batman won’t appear, I can’t wait to discover if Lady Gaga’s character Lee will develop into the iconic Harley Quinn we are fond of. The Joker series seems to be breaking conventional comic book rules, so who knows what twists and turns might unfold?

Wait until October 4th, when “Joker: Folie à Deux” premieres in cinemas, and mark your calendars for upcoming film releases in 2025 to make plans for your movie-viewing schedule next year.

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2024-09-26 20:08