Joker sequel: Will there be a Joker sequel? Joaquin Phoenix finally speaks out

Joaquin Phoenix wowed DC Comics fans with his version of The Joker. The failed comedian, Arthur Fleck, struggles with his own demons as he navigates a cruel and unforgiving world. While many fans want to see Fleck’s continued adventures, Phoenix may have sadly crushed that dream once and for all.

***Warning: Joker spoilers***

Joaquin Phoenix has reportedly been offered roles in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe,) including a part as Dr Strange.

However, Phoenix did not want to be shackled by a multi-movie deal – or so it has been claimed – and therefore declined these offers.

Director Todd Phillips’ idea for a Joker origin movie, however, seemed to appeal to Phoenix, not least because it was just that: a single, origin movie.

Joker sees Arthur Fleck, a failing stand-up with severe mental health difficulties, trying to make his way in the world and be seen.

Eventually he is seen, but for all the wrong reasons as he accidentally sparks an uprising among those furious with the ‘powers that be.’

While he is locked up and his psychotic behaviour seems unrelenting, many fans believe this could be the moment where Fleck’s journey continues even further and he gets a second movie.

Phoenix has long been against this idea, and has finally spoken out on whether this is a possibility.

Speaking to the LA Times’ The Envelope, Phoenix said: “I wouldn’t just do a sequel just because the first movie is successful, that’s ridiculous.

“Long before the release or before we had any idea if it would be successful, we talked about sequels.

“In the second or third week of shooting, I was like: ‘Todd, can you start working on a sequel? There’s way too much to explore.’

“It was kind of in jest — but not really.”

While box office takings do not seem to be of interest to Phoenix, this is unlikely to be the case for the studio executives behind the movie, who will want to see it break through its budget before green-lighting a sequel.

Luckily for them, Joker has well and truly smashed its assumed targets, with a whopping worldwide box office of $878,326,992 (£678,978,823.75).

The film is still going strong, with it appearing in the Top 10 highest-grossing movies of the year.

It also still appeared in the Top 10 highest-grossing movies last weekend, meaning fans are still desperate to catch the film at the cinema.

While Phoenix may say the success of the film will not determine his decision to be involved in it, clearly the studio will be hoping he will return once again to make another chapter of The Joker’s life.

Of course, with Phoenix joking that he and director Todd Phillips were already talking sequels during the making of the film, he will no doubt be interested in delving back into this character once more – especially if it finally secures him a coveted Oscar.

Joker is in cinemas now