9 Biggest Changes in Joker 2 to DC Canon

Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for Joker: Folie a Deux.Joker: Folie a Deux Boldly reimagine elements of DC canon, creating a story that diverges significantly from established DC lore. Joker: Folie a Deux Follows on from 2019’s smash hit, Joker, depicting Arthur Fleck’s trial for his crime spree as the Joker. The narrative is done in a more grounded reality, offering a stark contrast to the often flamboyant and exaggerated nature of comic book storytelling. As such, some notable changes have been made to established DC lore to facilitate Gotham’s grim vision.

Joker: Folie a Deux Stands as a unique entry in the DC universe, bringing out a range of characters and themes that defy traditional images. By positioning itself within the framework of DC Elseworlds, the movie is able to explore DC characters and stories free of consequences, unlike the main DCU timeline, which is expected to fit seamlessly together. instead, Joker: Folie a Deux Is able to interpret iconic characters in dynamic new ways.

9

Harley Quinn is a patient not a doctor

In the comics, Harley is a qualified doctor

In DC Comics, Harley Quinn is traditionally portrayed as a highly qualified psychologist who works at Arkham Asylum. This background lends her character a level of complexity, as her transformation from a doctor to the Joker’s associate plays out in Layers of psychological manipulation and dependency. However, in Joker: Folie a DeuxLady Gaga’s Harley Quinn is introduced as a patient in a less severe section of Arkham, changing the dynamic between her and the Joker fundamentally.

This shift in Joker: Folie a Deux signifies a radical reimagining of Harley’s character arc. Instead of being an authority figure who succumbs to the Joker’s influence, She is now a victim of her own obsession. This change serves to highlight her descent into madness rather than her rise as a criminal mastermind. By presenting Harley as a patient, the film emphasizes themes of mental health and the consequences of obsession, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of her character.

8

Harley Quinn voluntarily goes to Arkham to meet Joker

In the comics, Harley is assigned as Joker’s doctor

One of the most striking changes in Joker: Folie a Deux is Harley Quinn’s motivation. In the comics, Harley’s journey into the world of crime is Often depicted as a gradual corruptionStemming from her role as the Joker’s psychiatrist. She is portrayed as being slowly manipulated by him, eventually falling into a toxic relationship. In contrast, the film takes a bold step by showing Harley as someone who voluntarily commits herself to Arkham in a desperate attempt to get closer to Arthur Fleck.

By willingly entering the asylum, Harley reflects a desire for agency, albeit in a dark and misguided way. Her obsession with Arthur serves as a commentary on the complexities of love and madness, providing a fresh perspective on the character. This image complicates her motivations and Adds complications to her character that were not present in earlier adaptationsChallenging the traditional understanding of Harley’s identity and relationship with the Joker.

7

Harvey Dent was injured in an explosion not an acid attack

In the comic, Dent’s injuries transform him into Two-Face

The character of Harvey Dent, famously known as the villain Two-Phase, undergoes a notable change in Joker: Folie a Deux. Traditionally, Dent’s transformation into two-phase is precipitated by an acid attack caused by the Gotham gangster Sal Maroni. This backstory became A defining aspect of his character in the comicssymbolizing the loss of his ideals as a law-abiding citizen. in contrast, Foley and Dukes Opt for a different start for Dent’s disfigurement.

in Joker: Folie a DeuxDent suffers facial injuries from a car bomb explosion outside the Gotham courthouse. This change not only recontextualizes Dent’s descent into villainy but also HIs his transformation to Arthur Fleck’s actions and the wider chaos in Gotham City. The explosion serves as a powerful metaphor for the destructive consequences of Arthur’s journey, creating a direct link between their fates. By shifting the nature of Dent’s injury, the film underscores the chaotic environment of Gotham and how it can corrupt even the most determined people.

6

The power dynamic between Harley and Joker is reversed

In the comics, Joker exerts much more power over Harley

The relationship between Harley Quinn and the Joker is one of the most infamous dynamics in comic book history, often characterized by the Joker’s dominance and Harley’s subjugation. In the comics, Harley is typically depicted as a victim of the Joker’s abuse, showcasing a cycle of manipulation and dependency. however, Joker: Folie a Deux reverses the power dynamic, Presenting Harley as the more manipulative and controlling figure In her relationship with Arthur.

Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie a Deux Displays agency and cunning, allowing her to navigate the chaotic world around her while maintaining a sense of control over her circumstances. This shift challenges the traditional narrative of abuse often associated with their relationship, even elicit sympathy for Arthur. The reimagining opens the door for more intricate storytelling, where the boundaries between victim and perpetrator are blurred, forcing the audience to rethink their perceptions of both characters.

5

Harley Quinn’s personality is different

Harley also doesn’t have her trademark accent

Harley Quinn has long been characterized by her exuberant and flamboyant personality, often depicted as a manic, child-like figure who brings a sense of chaos and humor to the narrative. In the comics, her energetic antics and unpredictable nature made her a beloved character, Often serving as comic relief in darker storylines. however, Joker: Folie a Deux Presents a much more grounded version of Harley, presenting a character that is eccentric but much less manic and childish.

This shift in personality allows for a more serious exploration of Harley’s character that is more in-keeping with the movie’s tone. Joker: Folie a Deux Catch her eccentricity though Put it in a context of deeper emotional turmoil. Rather than just a source of comic relief, Harley is portrayed as a complex individual grappling with her obsession and the consequences of her actions. This grounded image creates a more nuanced and multifaceted character.

4

Joker actually loves Harley Quinn

In the comics, Joker doesn’t really like Harley

One of the most significant departures from the traditional DC canon in Joker: Folie a Deux is the image of the Joker’s feelings towards Harley Quinn. In the comics, the Joker is often depicted as a Unfeeling sociopath who exploits Harley’s affections for his own gain. Their relationship is characterized by manipulation, abuse and a lack of genuine emotional connection, often described as a cycle of abuse exacerbated by Harley’s Stockholm syndrome.

in contrast, Joker: Folie a Deux suggests that there is a genuine emotional bond between Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn, who is now called Lee. Arthur’s love for her is palpable, Complicating the usual dynamics of their relationship. The image challenges the long-held belief that the Joker is incapable of love or empathy, revealing a softer side to his character. By showcasing Arthur’s care for Harley, the film highlights the reversal of their power dynamic.

3

Joker shows remorse for his crimes

Joker is usually without contrition

The Joker has long been characterized as a villain who revels in chaos and suffering, exhibiting a blatant indifference to the pain he inflicts on others. In the comics, he often embodies a lack of remorse for his actions, viewing his crimes as part of a big joke. Joker: Folie a Deux introduces a compelling change by depicting Arthur Fleck as someone who Expresses genuine remorse for his actionsEspecially after Ricky’s death Joker: Folie a DeuxA character he has a complicated relationship with.

The emotional depth offers a more complex understanding of Arthur’s psyche, contrasting sharply with the Joker’s traditional image as a remorseless villain. The film culminates in Arthur denouncing the Joker personaSuggesting an internal struggle between his dark impulses and the remnants of his humanity. This moment of reflection not only humanizes Arthur but also adds layers to the narrative, emphasizing the psychological ramifications of his journey.

2

Harvey Dent prosecutes Joker

In the comics, Harvey Dent wouldn’t stand a chance

In traditional comic book stories, Harvey Dent’s turn to villainy is often associated with his early career as a district attorney, fighting against Gotham’s organized crime. Joker: Folie a Deux Changes the dynamic by presenting Dent as the prosecutor in Arthur Fleck’s court case, a significant change that impacts the overall narrative. Harvey Dent was traditional A victim of Gotham’s age of gangsters rather than the era of supervillains. He logically transforms before Joker begins to enforce his reign of terror.

Dent’s prosecution of the Joker establishes a direct confrontation between the forces of law and chaos, as well as Establish a connection between Dent’s transformation and the Joker. This change not only enriches Dent’s character arc, but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of their fate. The narrative suggests that Dent’s experiences during the trial may serve as a catalyst for his eventual transformation into Two-Face, intertwining their stories in a way that reflects the chaotic nature of Gotham itself.

1

Joker has a backstory (again)

In the comics, Joker has no official backstory

Joker Invented a backstory for the Joker that doesn’t actually exist in the comics. Or at least, Joker’s origin story is unconfirmed, with Joker serving as an unreliable narrator. He even famously said that he loves his origin “Many choices” Still JokerA fan theory quickly emerged suggesting that Arthur Fleck was not the real Joker, but would be the inspiration for the real Crown Prince of Crime. That was it Thrillingly confirmed in the dramatic final scene of Joker: Folie a DeuxWhere Arthur Fleck is killed by a character presumed to be the real Joker.

Interestingly, this means that Joker: Folie a Deux did Offered a second backstory for the villain. This time, Joker was a patient at Arkham who adored Arthur, but was disappointed and disillusioned when Arthur denounced the Joker persona. This was an expected development that opened up a lot of potential stories and possible futures beyond Joker: Folie a Deux.

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