Joker sequel: Will there be a Joker 2? THIS may be reason why film WON’T happen

Joker was a surprise smash, given DC’s record of putting out superhero movies so far. The film is the first R-rated film to pass the billion-dollar mark in terms of box office takings, and it is so far the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2019. Fans have been crying out for a sequel, but there may be one reason why that absolutely does not happen.

Speaking to Deadline’s Behind the Lens, director Todd Phillips suggested one difficulty he had when making the first film: convincing its star, Joaquin Phoenix, to join the franchise.

Phillips said: “A lot of actors are resistant to stepping into that world because of the implications that come with it.

“I know Joaquin had been approached in that universe before, the comic book universe, and he’s always not done it.

“So it wasn’t an easy thing, but he read the script and we just had these long meetings that went on for, quite frankly, months, of talking about what it could be, what it’ll look like, what it’ll feel like.

“I think he was also feeling me out as much as he was feeling out the idea of doing one of these kind of films.”

Phillips even admitted he pitched the film to Warner Bros with Phoenix in the lead role, despite not securing the actor for the part beforehand.

As well as this, we know Phoenix has turned down roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including The Hulk (to replace Edward Norton) and Doctor Strange, with one of the reasons seeming to be related to the “requirements” of superhero films.

Speaking to Time Out on why he turned down Doctor Strange, Phoenix said: “There were too many requirements that went against my instincts for character.

“I’ve been spoiled. I’ve never had to make those compromises.

“I’ve not met a director yet with one of those films where we go through the script, they say: ‘You know what, f**k this set-piece, let’s focus on the character!’

“I understand, but it’s best I don’t do it… I’m not just being difficult. I’m just trying to find what works for me.

“I don’t want to commit to something and not fulfil those obligations. I enjoy watching those movies.”

The “requirements” could be related to being tied into a franchise which may ask to use the same actor in multiple films.

Doctor Strange has appeared in multiple Avengers films as well as his standalone movie, and is expected to appear in more than one Marvel movie in the future.

Of course, Benedict Cumberbatch has still found time to make other types of film.

But perhaps the idea of being pulled into franchises and sequels was the thing that pushed Phoenix away from signing up.

This, therefore, brings us to the Joker sequel.

Phillips has announced the film has been discussed with Warner Bros, but is not officially in development.

While this is pure conjecture, it may be Phoenix’s desire not to appear in multiple movies, sequels or franchises, as documented in his discussion with Marvel, which may be stalling the production.

With that being said, Phoenix has also expressed a willingness to join the movie again, so it may be he is willing to do sequels if they are the right thing.

Without a doubt, fans of DC Comics will be desperate to see this movie come to fruition, but it all may come down to its star.

Joker is in cinemas now

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