Todd Phillips is more open to making a Jared Leto, who tried to get Joker canceled.
Directed by Phillips, Joker delved into R-rated territory for the first time with a wholly standalone origin story for the Clown Prince of Crime. Played by Joaquin Phoenix, Joker followed a struggling comedian named Arthur Fleck. After a lifetime of being abused and downtrodden, Fleck found himself developing a new persona and spiraling into madness. With Joker fans content with recreating the iconic dance scene. Despite the film's ever-expanding success, however, it was unclear whether a sequel would ever be forthcoming.
Speaking with nominations. Check out his full statement below:
"It couldn't just be this wild and crazy movie about the Clown Prince of Crime. It would have to have some thematic resonance in a similar way that Joker does. Because I think that's ultimately why the movie connected, it's what's going on underneath. So many movies are about the spark and this is about the powder. If you could capture that again in a real way, that would be interesting."
For his part, Phoenix is a lot more open to starring in a follow-up. Having turned in an acclaimed performance that unites even Joker's most ionate fans and fiercest detractors, Phoenix had a surprising amount of fun as Arthur Fleck. As such, he labeled the character "a dream role." And, even while filming Joker, he would ask Phillips when they would make a second film. Obviously, like Phillips, however, Phoenix's own commitment to returning would depend equally on the story.
Even if a Joker sequel did emerge, it's unlikely that Joker would ultimately crossover with The Batman. With Robert Pattinson taking over the cape and cowl from Ben Affleck, The Batman will return the character to his younger years and will feature a whole new cast - even in some previously established DCEU roles, such as Commissioner Gordon. As such, as much as some fans would love to see the two worlds collide, The Batman looks set to be every bit within its own continuity as Joker. Given the financial success of the standalone Joker movie, however, that might be a future worth pursuing for DC and Warner Bros. And, again, given that surprising success of Joker, the studio might not take as much convincing next time - should Phillips find his one condition met.
Source: The Los Angeles Times
