The DC Extended Universe has been a cinematic rollercoaster ride, with its ups and downs, impressing people globally. Among the critically acclaimed movies within these very franchises was the 2019 flick Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix in an eerie performance as the legendary antagonist of the DC universe.
Grossing success of this movie brought in speculations regarding a sequel, but director Todd Phillips has recently dropped some updates which look to bring a shadow of uncertainty regarding the future of this franchise.
Phillips’ Blunt Assessment
The director of Joker and its sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, Todd Phillips, has given an interview wherein he says that he probably won’t go on to make the third part of the series. Though he didn’t shut the door completely on the possibility, his comments indicated that he was satisfied, as was Joaquin Phoenix, with the story thus far told.
“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,” Phillips said. This clearly suggests that the director feels the story of the character of Joker has been fully stretched out with the films already out.
The Impact on Fans
News of Joker 3 possibly being scrapped or delayed must no doubt enrage fans who have been waiting for the sequel to this super-hit, critically acclaimed franchise. The first two films were critically acclaimed, earning a gross number of awards and accolades; seeing Joaquin Phoenix play his iconic role again was very exciting.
Artistic decisions, however, are often rooted in the creative vision of a filmmaker. If Phillips and Phoenix do feel that there’s really a full story told about their Joker, then that is understandable in not wanting to dive into the character once more.
The Future of the Joker Franchise
While this can put a cabash on a third Joker film, far from it that the legacy of the character is over. The Joker has been with DC Comics for a long time, and the character seems to increase in popularity with each passing day. It’s also possible that other filmmakers or studios in the future may pick up where it all began with the character, offering new perspectives and interpretations.
Moreover, the success of the Joker franchise itself must have inspired many other creators out of their cocoons to take risks in telling darker, quirky superhero stories. It is doubtless how much this character has impacted this genre; his legacy will go on to influence future films.
The Influence on Superheroes
The Joaquin’s enigmatic motivations and tendency to skirt the boundary make him one of the most challenging reconfigurations of the conventional tropes of superhero narratives. His chaotic nature and the ease with which he revels in villainy have inspired other comic book characters and villains in their search for a darker, more morally ambiguous path.
The Joaquin has fuelled a return of interest towards anti-heroes and anti-villains. Characters like Deadpool, Harley Quinn, and even the Punisher owe a debt to the Joker for laying down the road of morally grey protagonists.
The Cultural Icon
The Joker, however, transcends the genre of superhero to become iconic in popular culture. His image with green hair, white skin, and red lips is recognizable to those who have never read a comic book or seen any superhero movie. The character has cropped up referenced in countless forms of media, from music to video games to television shows.
People love this character due to the ambiguous nature of his character and the darkness of his appeal that lies over the psyche of humans. Because his behavior is full of anarchy and unpredictability, he has become a character of fascination and unnerving proportions, catching the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Impact on Films and Televisions
The Joker has a place in history for film and on television. As a result, some of the most renowned actors in cinematic history have embodied this character. Among them: Jack Nicholson, the late Heath Ledger, and Joaquin Phoenix. Each interpretation solidifies that it goes uniquely with the character in order to be dubbed into popular culture.
Furthermore, the success of the Joker films has compelled other filmmakers to try and develop much darker and more mature themes within this genre. He did a great job breaking into the status quo and poking at one of the key complications of villainy, opening up the avenue for subtle and complex storytelling.
The Lasting Legacy of the Joker
This powerful ability of storytelling and character development immortalizes the Joker, transcending his humble beginnings. Of course, his influences are often reflected in many films and television serials, comic books, and other forms of media. Arguably, his potential therefore engages him and amounts to debate endlessly.
As long as people are interested in the dark side of human nature, so will the Joker remain relevant and influential. His legacy reminds us of the power of storytelling to consider difficult themes and to challenge perceptions.
The End of an Era?
The Joker trilogy might well prove to be the last hay for DC Comics fandom. Joaquin Phoenix playing the Clown Prince of Crime was nothing less than iconic, and his playing this character will be etched in memory for so many years. While disappointing that this might be the last time he takes on the mantle, the legacy of his Joker will no doubt endure.
While fans are mourning the end that could have been, at least they can take solace in the fact that they’ve been treated to two great films that shall live on as classics. The future for the DC Extended Universe stands at large, but the legacy that is the Joker will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations on end.
While the future of the Joker franchise is pretty uncertain, his legacy is indisputable. Nevertheless, with or without a new Joker film, the Clown Prince of Crime will stay haunting and unforgettable in the realm of comic book movies.