2019’s Joker was a massive hit for Warner Brothers. From a production budget of just $55 million, the film went on to gross over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. It’s no surprise then that the studio is keen to fast-track a sequel, bringing Joaquin Phoenix’s clown prince of crime back for another origin tale. Details have been sporadic over the last couple of years, but Express.co.uk has compiled all the information you need to know about the villain’s next descent into madness.
What is the release date of Joker 2?
Sadly, there is no official release date set for the Joker sequel just yet. Despite this, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the film was in development back in 2019. In November of that year, the outlet reported that sources said more from the character would come.
However, it wasn’t clear if it would be a direct sequel to the Todd Phillips directed hit or if it would focus on another villain from DC Comics back catalogue. It was claimed that the filmmaker proposed a DC Black Label, one that would bring R-rated (18) films to the big screen.
Yet, there haven’t been any updates since then – until now.
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Who is in the cast of Joker 2?
At this stage, the potential cast for Joker 2 is completely unknown. Though it is hard to believe a sequel would come without Phoenix in the title role. The star has addressed the second part recently, admitting there is more they could “[explore] further.”
The 47-year-old said: “From when we were shooting, we started to – you know, this is an interesting guy. There are some things we could do with this guy and [explore] further. But as to whether we actually will? I don’t know.”
The orbiting cast could likely be completely new, focusing on how Joker aka Arthur Fleck interacts with different people. Yet, it is likely fans will see the return of a young Bruce Wayne (played by Dante Pereira-Olson).
As the two characters are so inextricably linked, it is hard to imagine a sequel that would ignore him, especially since they have already met in the original.
Phoenix’s performance was so well received that it even led him to winning his first Oscar in 2020. Taking home the best actor award, he said in his speech: “I’m full of so much gratitude now. I do not feel elevated above any of my fellow nominees or anyone in this room, because we share the same love – that’s the love of film. And this form of expression has given me the most extraordinary life. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
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What is the plot of Joker 2?
As of writing this article, it is completely unknown what the plot could be about. It would largely depend on whether or not there would be a time jump after the first film. The original ends with Joker locked away (not so much) in Arkham Asylum.
This facility notoriously has a terrible track record of containing its inmates, so expect Joker to make a swift exit. However, Arkham could offer the perfect opportunity for the Joker to meet other villains, with the first film opening the door to any number of appearances.
The Riddler, Hugo Strange, Scarecrow, Two-Face, The Penguin – all of these famous Batman villains could be natural fits in this more grounded take on the Caped Crusader’s rogues gallery. In the comics, Joker first met Harley Quinn in the madhouse, as she was originally his doctor. Seeing the origins of their twisted dynamic could make for a very different sidekick story. Especially when compared to Margot Robbie’s take.
Is there a trailer for Joker 2?
No, there is no trailer or teaser for the film. If filming is going to commence in 2023, don’t expect to see anything until then.
Warner Brothers may choose to release a teaser earlier than this though, one which simply confirms it is in development – a title reveal.