Why Joker 2 Might Happen Instead Of Another DC Villain Movie
Despite so many other DC Comics villains who could lead their own movies like Joker, Warner Bros. is still developing Joker 2, with several important factors to consider. While there have been an endless amount of Joker portrayals for decades, it wasn't until 2019 with Joaquin Phoenix's iteration that the Clown Prince of Crime got his own standalone film. Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker tells the story of Arthur Fleck and how he becomes the iconic Batman villain as a dark character study. The plan was always to make this story a one-and-done film as opposed to beginning a Joker franchise. While there were conflicting reports in 2019 about a follow-up happening, it was recently reported that Joker 2 is in the works after all.
No details about the plot have been revealed thus far, nor has the creative team since there is no word on who will direct and write the script. Many have commented that there are so many other villains who could get their own Joker-like films, whether it be from Batman's rogues' gallery or other super-villains. However, it makes sense from a studio perspective to pursue a Joker 2 for multiple reasons. One of the enormous components of Joker's success was its worldwide box office results. With barely an $80 million dollars budget, Joker did $1.07 billion dollars globally, making it one of Warner Bros.'s biggest commercial successes based on the DC brand. But Joker's financial success isn't the only reason the studio is pursuing a sequel.
For as long as the Caped Crusader has been in media, Batman has always been one of the studio's most popular IPs, whether it be TV shows, movies, video games, or merchandise. Despite Joker not being a Batman film, it's still set within that corner of the DC Universe, which is something that mainstream audiences are still drawn to. Joker 2 would allow this continuity to explore further Phillips' Gotham City and what his Batman might look like, especially after Arthur and young Bruce's interaction. Out of all the Batman villains, Joker is by far the most recognizable one, even to non-comic readers. But outside of the character's worldwide following and Joker's massive box office results, there is also the actor behind the clown make-up.
In February 2020, Phoenix became the second actor to ever earn an Academy Award for playing the Joker, following the late Heath Ledger, who won an Oscar posthumously in 2009 for his Joker portrayal in The Dark Knight. Phoenix's Best Actor accolade was one of the 11 Academy Award nominations Joker had received, with Hildur Guðnadóttir winning in the Best Original Score category. Joker was also up for Best Picture, which doesn't often happen with comic book and superhero movies. Outside the Oscars, Joker was nominated for multiple awards and won in several categories, including Phoenix getting a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. It makes sense why Warner Bros. would want to go forward with Joker 2, where there is the potential for another compelling story, as well as financial and critical success.
While there are multiple directions that Joker 2 can go, if the sequel is a success, hopefully, it will be what encourages Warner Bros. to explore other villains, too. Whether it is Superman, Batman, Flash, Wonder Woman, or other Justice League villains, the DC Universe has a rich and endless supply of antagonists who could benefit from the Joker treatment. If the studio wants to expand the DC Black-inspired brand, they need to think outside of Joker 2 and look at other DC villains that could do just as well as Joker, if given the opportunity.