Many superhero movies have struggled to find a compelling villain, but the Joker is one comic book villain who has not only transformed well but also lent himself to a series of compelling reinterpretations. He is the most iconic comic villain of all time, and he has also been a box office smash on the big screen. After a record-breaking opening weekend for Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, it seems like a good time to rank the many film portrayals of the Clown Prince of Crime. At this point, it should go without saying that Joaquin Phoenix is a very serious actor. The Academy Award winner has been fascinating viewers with his ability to gracefully navigate between the film industry’s dark and light sides for decades. Not convinced? Check out this actor’s impressive dance card by pulling out your old Blockbuster card (or 2022’s equivalent) Phoenix’s range and abilities, with apologies to the various and various Tom’s, Brad’s, and Leo’s, pretty much add up his talented contemporaries, are on full display in films like Parenthood, Return to Paradise, Clay Pigeons, 8 Millimeter, Buffalo Soldiers, We Own the Night, It’s All About Love, U-Turn and Walk the Line.
After the staggering excellence of the Phoenix-led DC movie Joker (to the tune of $1.74 billion smackers), many industry commentators quietly worried that a seemingly newly-minted money generating franchise could be without its proverbial lead actor moving forward into the unavoidable landscape of sequels. Throughout his extensive career, Joaquin Phoenix has participated in many projects, but one thing he has avoided is being involved in a follow-up to any of his previous films. The star of “Ladder 49” has stated categorically that he has no interest in filming a sequel. Thus, the fact that director Todd Phillips was able to convince the notoriously difficult actor (compare him to Brando, Clift, or Dean) to return to his role as the Clown Prince of Crime in the second installment Joker: Folie à Deux is nothing short of a Christmas miracle.
Director Todd Phillips has stated that production on Joker 2 has begun, and he has even given fans a sneak peek at the sequel’s title: Joker: Folie à Deux. Joaquin Phoenix won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the title character in the 2019 reboot, and the film is widely considered to be one of the best superhero films of all time. The film Joker received high marks for its realistic depiction of its source material, which many viewers found both sympathetic and disturbing as they learned more about the tragic backstory of the most infamous villain in Batman’s canon. The significance of Folie à Deux provides clues about what to expect from the sequel.
Joker: Folie à Deux is a musical, unlike its prequel, and it reportedly takes place in Arkham Asylum, the notorious mental ward the Joker has managed to land himself in throughout many DC comics, films, and television instalments. Folie à Deux means “shared madness” in French, so Phoenix won’t be the only one in the lead role here. Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, and Brendan Gleeson, as well as Lady Gaga as a variant of Harley Quinn, join his character Arthur Fleck on his frustrating mission.
See above our groundshalking headline for the first official photo of Joaquin Phoenix from the set of a forthcoming Warner-Discovery movie Joker: Folie à Deux. The film’s director, Todd Phillips, unveiled the image with the caption, “Day 1,” which depicts Phoenix’s Fleck persona receiving the full treatment in a gloomy and appropriately shadowy setting. This is our man. #joker
The new evidence reveals what had been kept hidden for a long time. This is what we know concerning Joker: Folie à Deux: There will be mayhem in the film with Phoenix returning to cause it alongside Zazie Beetz and Brendan Gleeson, and Catherine Keener, a longtime friend of the Phoenix family as well as one of greatest actors of her generation. Phillips is back in the director’s chair, and he reteamed with his first film co-writer, Scott Silver, to pen the screenplay.
In his first remake, Joaquin Phoenix is introduced to audiences. We have a feeling that you’re going to change the way sequels are viewed forever with your own unique spin on things, and we at Vents can’t wait to see it!
On October 4, 2024, Joker: Folie à Deux will open in theatres.