Joker 2 Director Todd Phillips Comments On Why Movies Are Being Turned Into Franchises

As a die-hard fan of Todd Phillips and the Joker universe, I can hardly contain my excitement for “Joker: Folie à Deux”. Having grown up watching the dark knight tales unfold on the silver screen, the original Joker movie was a game changer that left me in awe. Now, five long years later, we are finally getting another installment, and I can hardly wait!


Todd Phillips is returning with a sequel titled “Joker: Folie à Deux,” featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. This highly anticipated film has left viewers eagerly awaiting its release following the massive success of the first Joker, which hit theaters in 2019.

In preparation for its premiere, Todd Phillips addressed the production of Joker: Folie à Deux with Variety, focusing particularly on addressing criticisms about the reasons behind a sequel. Indeed, Phillips himself countered the notion that it’s merely a cash grab, as some suggested he insisted on creating a sequel in his original agreement with Warner Bros. – an accusation he refuted, stating money was not the motivation for revisiting the character known as the Joker.

Phillips stated that a key factor motivating him to continue with the sequel is the strong connection he built with the Joker’s “clan” while making the initial movie. What particularly enthused him was the prospect of rekindling that bond with the team once more.

He explained that most people dismiss sequels, thinking of them simply as a way to make money. He introspected, looking back at the filmmaking process: “So many people are so dismissive of sequels in general, because they think, ‘Oh, it’s a money grab.'” He also added that he was excited about doing a sequel because of the camaraderie and friendships formed with everyone in the first film. “What people don’t realize about filmmaking is, you really become friends, and you become a family,” the director said. “And it’s like, ‘Wait, we get to do this again? We get to hang out again together, and just make each other laugh all day?’ So, it’s really motivated by that.”

In the upcoming sequel to the original movie, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” there’s a shift in mood due to its incorporation of musical elements. Following directly on from where the first film ended, it continues the story after Arthur Fleck’s imprisonment following his live television murder. You might remember that Arthur was locked up for killing a man, an act that sent shockwaves through Gotham City. In this new chapter, Arthur faces a potential death sentence, but his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga. As their shared madness brings them together, they forge a passionate relationship that ultimately leads to a thrilling escape from the asylum and more turmoil and violence for Gotham City.

As a die-hard fan, with each passing day that brings us closer to “Joker: Folie à Deux” release, my enthusiasm and eagerness just skyrocket. Masterminded by the brilliant Todd Phillips himself, this sequel is being crafted meticulously by an impressive ensemble of artists who are poised to weave a compelling narrative. With its original having left such a profound impact on audiences five years ago, I can’t help but feel confident that this follow-up will create equally lasting memories and impressions.

Joker: Folie à Deux will be released in movie theaters on Oct. 4, 2024.

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2024-08-22 20:09