Just when we thought the Joker saga might continue, director Todd Phillips has thrown cold water on the idea of a third installment. Fans of superhero movies who were hoping for more chaos from Joaquin Phoenix’s Clown Prince of Crime might want to temper their expectations. In a candid interview with Variety, Todd Phillips shared that with Joker: Folie à Deux, the story they set out to tell may have reached its natural conclusion. Reflecting on the journey, he said:
“It was fun to play in this sort of sandbox for two movies, but I think we’ve said what we wanted to say in this world.”
While this might signal the end of the Joker franchise, it certainly doesn’t mean the end of the Phillips-Phoenix collaboration. In fact, the duo is already teasing something completely different—a genre pivot that might surprise their fans.
From Gritty Crime Drama to Comedy? Phillips and Phoenix Plot Their Next Move
It seems Todd Phillips is eager to move on from the dark and gritty world of Gotham City. After helming two intense Joker films, he’s now looking at the lighter side of things—specifically, comedy. Yes, you read that right. In the same Variety profile, Phillips expressed his enthusiasm for teaming up with Phoenix again, but this time for something that will leave audiences laughing rather than disturbed:
“I’d love to keep working with Joaquin but on a comedy, because he can be so loose and funny. And I think people really want comedies right now. The trailer for Joker 2 sort of sums things up when it says, ‘What the world needs now is love.’ But I would go farther: We could use a good laugh too.”
Given Phillips’ background in comedy with hits like Starsky & Hutch and The Hangover trilogy, this shift seems both unexpected and perfectly logical. And let’s not forget Phoenix’s surprisingly humorous turn in Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, where he effortlessly delivered lines that had audiences cracking up. Could this new direction be the breath of fresh air both Phillips and Phoenix need after the intensity of Joker? It certainly seems like it.
What About Joker: Folie à Deux?
Before we start planning our popcorn for Phillips’ potential comedy, let’s not forget the highly anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux, set to hit theaters on October 4, 2024. This new release promises to bring more of the dark, twisted narrative that made the first film a box office sensation. With Lady Gaga joining the cast as Harley Quinn, expectations are through the roof. But once the dust settles, fans might find themselves in for a very different kind of entertainment from Phillips and Phoenix—one that trades grimaces for giggles.
The Future of Superhero Movies and What’s Next for Phillips
As the landscape of superhero movies continues to evolve, Todd Phillips’ pivot to comedy could signal a refreshing change. While the Joker films brought a raw, unfiltered edge to the genre, his next project might offer a lighter, more humorous take—something audiences may be craving. Whether you’re here for the gritty drama or just looking for something new and unexpected, Phillips and Phoenix seem determined to keep surprising us.
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