Will there be a Joker 3?

As a seasoned movie-goer who has witnessed the rise and fall of countless cinematic franchises, I must say that the prospects for Joker 3 seem as gloomy as Gotham City itself on a rainy night. The sequel, Folie à Deux, has left audiences divided, much like Batman’s fractured psyche.

**WARNING: Contains spoilers for Joker: Folie à Deux**

Initially, when “Joker” debuted in 2019, it was marketed as a standalone film without plans for a sequel. As Todd Phillips stated to IGN, “The story wasn’t designed to continue into another movie.” The creators had always intended it to be a single film with no follow-ups planned.

Initially, things didn’t turn out as expected: Despite initially doubting it, the movie exceeded $1 billion at the global box office, performed exceptionally well during awards season, and eventually became a cultural sensation. Shortly after, Warner Bros reversed its initial stance and gave the go-ahead for a sequel.

The movie you’re referring to is now playing in theaters, and it’s fair to mention that Joker: Folie à Deux has stirred up quite a commotion, though this time it’s a different kind compared to its previous release.

The second movie didn’t make a big splash in cinemas upon release, with most critics giving it average ratings. Additionally, many fans of the original film have expressed strong disapproval, often criticizing aspects that may not be entirely fair.

Despite the surprising conclusion you may have reached, is it truly unfeasible we’ll see another installment of Joker? Let’s delve into the details to find out.

Will there be a Joker 3?

At this stage, the honest answer to this question is probably not.

Based on recent developments, it appears that a third movie from Warner Bros might not materialize due to the film’s underwhelming box office performance, its unexpected twist ending, and Todd Phillips’ expressed doubts about continuing in the DC Universe.

In an interview with Variety before the movie’s premiere, Phillips expressed that it had been enjoyable to work within this type of playground for two films. However, he feels that they have effectively communicated their intended message in this particular universe.

Indeed, it wasn’t until later when we learned how Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, met a violent end at the hands of another prisoner in Arkham Asylum – all unfolding in the film’s final scenes.

Since at that point, the identity of the Joker appears to have been transferred from Fleck to the young inmate (as indicated by him carving a grin into his face and laughing insanely), there’s a possibility that another movie might explore this newly transformed Joker character.

However, it appears quite improbable under the circumstances, given that Phoenix’s stardom was a significant pull for these movies. To be clear, I’m not devaluing Connor Storrie’s talent, but it’s fair to acknowledge that an unknown actor like him might not have the same allure.

Will there be a Joker 3?

Another possibility is that another movie might not necessarily be a continuation, but rather an expansion. In “Folie à Deux,” we were introduced to new interpretations of two well-known Batman characters: Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn (also known as Harleen ‘Lee’ Quinzel in the film) and Harry Lawtey’s Harvey ‘Two-Face’ Dent, whose origins were explicitly mentioned.

So, perhaps the seeds have been sewn for a film looking at the wider world of Gotham?

But even that doesn’t seem especially likely.

In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Phillips expressed that a standalone Harleen film doesn’t seem to be the direction this movie is going for him personally. He feels that his involvement within the DC Universe has been limited to the two films he directed.

It’s likely that we won’t have the chance to revisit this specific version of Gotham for a while, unless something unexpected happens.

Fans can relax about a shortage of DC projects coming up. Robert Pattinson’s 2022 movie, The Batman, has led to a TV series centering around Colin Farrell’s character, the Penguin. Interestingly, there is talk of a sequel in 2026, potentially featuring Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of the Joker following his brief appearance at the end of the initial film.

Speaking of exciting developments, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for the upcoming reimagining of the DC Universe, masterfully crafted by James Gunn and Peter Safran. This fresh take on the universe is set to debut next year, and it all starts with none other than Superman!

One film already confirmed for that universe is The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce yet another version of Batman and explore members of the “Bat-Family”, including his son Damian Wayne as a version of Robin.

So, Joker 3 might not happen, but it won’t be too long until we’re back in Gotham once again…

Joker: Folie à Deux is now showing in UK cinemas.

2024-10-08 19:35

Will there be a Joker 3?

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