WARNING: This article contains MAJOR spoilers from Joker: Folie à Deux.New reports about Joker: Folie à Deux see sources blame Joker actor for DC sequel. While the world awaits the launch of James Gunn's DC Universe, 2024 has yet to bring the world a new DC film as audiences are set to return to Todd Phillips' film. Joker Universe with Joker: Folie à Deux. However, despite huge anticipation, the sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga was a box office disaster, with critics giving the film mixed reviews. Joker: Folie à Deux ending.
In a new in-depth report from Hollywood Reporter, their sources claim Phoenix is being blamed for being the main reason Joker: Folie à Deux's critical results. According to trade, “The idea for a sequel came to Phoenix in a dream,” which led to Academy Award-winning actor and director Todd Phillips pitching it to the now-former chairman of Warner Bros. Toby Emmerich. When asked who the target audience for the DC sequel was, "One outside source sums it up as: 'For Joaquin.'"
It is very important to remember that at the time of publication of this story Phoenix and Phillips have not yet responded to THR claims about Joker: Folie à Deux, this means that this is still conceivably what could have happened. If this is what actually happened, it's also important to take into account that making a major Hollywood blockbuster doesn't depend on one person. In the end the only way Joker: Folie à Deux was allowed to happen because the regime at Warner Bros. at the time was the one who signed on to make a sequel, just as if Joker 3 the film was given the green light.
With things like the direction, screenplay, production, performances and overall performance of a film influencing its reception, it's hard to simply place the blame on Phoenix. The ultimate reason why Joker: Folie à Deux happened because in 2019 Joker became a critical box office success for the studio, what makes a film more than just "for Joaquin" since there were hopes for another financial blow. The original plan was to Joker the film should be a complete film, not the start of a franchise that ends up in the studio.
Regardless of whether Phoenix played a major role in the outcome of the film, in the long run it may not matter much because Joker: Folie à Deux should have ended Arthur's story. There will always be debate about whether this film should have been made, but no matter how it is received, it seems wrong to point to Phoenix as the sole reason. In the meantime, time will tell what other stories may emerge about the creation Joker: Folie à Deux as he continues his theatrical journey.
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Source: TRR