With Joker 2 approaching its release, many are wondering if it’s the last movie in the franchise. Could Joker 3 or a Harley Quinn spin-off be launched as a part of DC’s Elseworlds? Does Todd Phillips have more sequels planned after Joker: Folie à Deux?
Here’s all you need to know.
Is Joker 2: Folie à Deux the last movie of the franchise?
Joker 2 will likely turn out to be the last movie featuring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck. Initially, 2019’s Joker was also set to be a one-and-done story. But it turned into the highest-grossing R-rated movie being the first to go past $1 billion (stands at #2 now after Deadpool & Wolverine). As a result, Warner Bros. and Todd Phillips ventured into Joker: Folie à Deux. But, the director has confirmed that he doesn’t wish to return for more films in the DC franchise.
Will there be a Joker 3 or Harley Quinn spin-off?
Earlier this year, director Todd Phillips was asked whether he would want to direct Joker 3. He denied it while stating that the story of Arthur Fleck will be completed with Joker: Folie à Deux.
while speaking with Variety, he said: “It was fun to play in this sort of sandbox for two movies, but I think we’ve said what we wanted to say in this world.”
When recently asked about a standalone Harley Quinn spin-off starring Lady Gaga, Phillips confirmed he wouldn’t be back for that either:
Unless Joker: Folie à Deux becomes another billion-dollar success and forces Phillips back into the DC sandbox, fans shouldn’t expect more movies out of this universe. Instead, DC’s future lies with James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU, and Matt Reeves’ The Batman Universe.
Joker: Folie à Deux hits theaters in the US on October 4, 2024.
