Why The Joker Doesn’t Have an Official Origin Story (And Doesn’t Need One)

Why The Joker Doesn't Have an Official Origin Story (And Doesn't Need One)

As a seasoned gamer and comic book enthusiast with decades of immersion in the Batman universe, I must say that Todd Phillips’ Joker sequel, Folie ? Deux, has left me quite perplexed. After eagerly anticipating an expansion on Arthur Fleck’s transformation into The Joker, I found myself watching a film that seemed more like a commentary on the public’s fascination with the character rather than a continuation of his origin story.


In the film “Folie ? Deux,” many viewers were left feeling frustrated due to unexpected differences from the original “Joker.” They anticipated a more in-depth exploration of Todd Phillips’ origin story for Arthur Fleck (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix), who is known as the man destined to become The Joker. Instead, they received a sequel that primarily reflected on the first film and its public response, featuring musical numbers for added effect. By the end, it was clear that “Folie ? Deux” was not about the creation of the Batman lore’s Joker as previously thought.

WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW!

The Closing Scene of Joker 2: Madness Duet Unveiled

As a passionate gamer speaking up, I’ve noticed a lot of buzz and controversy surrounding Todd Phillips’ Joker movie series, particularly the recent release of “Folie à Deux.” Many viewers and critics argue that this film undermines the entire purpose of the series – providing an official origin story for The Joker. In my opinion, it seems to challenge the very foundation upon which the films were built.

Why The Joker Has No Origin (And Doesn’t Need One)

Why The Joker Doesn't Have an Official Origin Story (And Doesn't Need One)

Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in “The Dark Knight” (2008) resonated strongly with audiences not only due to Ledger’s outstanding acting, but also because Christopher Nolan crafted a compelling narrative that modernized The Joker’s character. In this version, The Joker is presented as an embodiment of chaos, shrouded in mystery since his true identity and origins remain elusive. This portrayal was significantly influenced by 1980s DC comic books, particularly Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” and Alan Moore’s “The Killing Joke.” The latter has been a subject of controversy due to its non-canonical status, as it has become instrumental in defining The Joker’s origin story. The idea of the Joker being a failed comedian who, during a crime heist, fell into a vat of chemicals, has been a recurring theme in subsequent comic stories and adaptations such as “Batman” (1989) and “Gotham.

Although “The Killing Joke” often implied that the Joker was an untrustworthy storyteller, not just a calculating sociopath, this concept has been utilized by skilled DC writers like Nolan to make viewers question everything they think they know about the character. Following the release of “The Dark Knight”, Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker has significantly influenced the comics, leading them to depict the Joker as a malevolent sociopath in contrast to Batman (as seen in “Three Jokers”). Moreover, his origin remains vague and uncertain, with only Batman seemingly aware of his true identity.

Essentially, it’s clear that fans generally concur: The mystery of The Joker’s origin, his role as an unbridled force of chaos, is now central to his character. This notion has even been challenged by Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix, the team behind the successful Joker origin film, who have since expressed a shift in their approach when it comes to interpreting this iconic villain.

Why The Joker Doesn't Have an Official Origin Story (And Doesn't Need One)

Regardless of differing opinions about The Joker, there’s a point that appears to be universally agreed upon: We no longer require an origin tale for this character. The Joker, as a larger-than-life psychopath, is already captivating and intriguing enough without delving into his past. His role as Batman’s adversary seems to be sufficient to define him.

If you’re considering a trip to the cinema, here’s a heads-up – “Joker” from 2019 is currently playing in theatres for your viewing pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer staying at home, you can stream “Joker: Folie ? Deux” on Max.

Read More

2024-10-07 21:40