Reasons Why Fans Shouldn’t Anticipate Joker 3: An In-Depth Explanation

For those anticipating a potential Joker 3 following the premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux, it’s time to manage expectations. The highly awaited sequel featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga was released in theaters on October 4, 2024, and it primarily explores Arthur Fleck’s trial for the crimes portrayed in the original film.

The conclusion of Joker: Folie à Deux strongly indicates that a third installment is unlikely, signaling an end to this series of DC films. Even director Todd Phillips confirmed in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the film’s premiere that he does not plan to return for any further continuation, stating that his journey in the DC Universe has “ended”.

“It’s not really where this movie is headed for me. I feel like my time in the DC Universe was these two films,” said Phillips.

Warning: Spoilers for Joker: Folie à Deux follow

The narrative culminates with Arthur Fleck being stabbed by an inmate at Arkham and bleeding out on the floor, effectively concluding his arc as the Joker in this universe. While this signifies the end of Arthur’s story, it subtly implies that the true essence of the Joker may still exist within this world. The definitive end of this narrative strongly suggests that Joker 3 is not in the plans.

How Joker 2 Hints at the Real Joker and Closes the Door on Joker 3

Joker: Folie à Deux centers on Arthur Fleck in Arkham, taking place two years after the first film’s events. Arthur is on trial for the death penalty while striving to demonstrate that he adopted the Joker persona as a mechanism to cope with his trauma, asserting that he suffers from mental illness and is in need of professional help. Alongside this struggle, his relationship with Lee develops, as she becomes enamored with his “Joker”identity.

However, by the film’s finale, after facing humiliation from the guards at Arkham, Arthur relinquishes his “Joker”identity, which leads to Lee ending their relationship. Subsequently, Arthur is arrested once more and returned to Arkham to await his death penalty.

At the film’s close, Arthur learns that he has a visitor. As he is being escorted out, another inmate stops him, claiming to have a “joker”for him. This inmate then quotes Arthur’s infamous words to Murray Franklin just before he shot him:

“You get what you f****** deserve.”

Arthur is brutally stabbed by the inmate multiple times before collapsing and bleeding out. In a chilling moment, the inmate who attacked Arthur is seen laughing maniacally as he carves a “smile”across his face. This gruesome act suggests that Arthur’s Joker catalyzed the emergence of the true maniacal Joker, who Batman will ultimately confront in the future.

While Arthur’s arc has reached its conclusion and Joker 3 appears to be off the table for now, Todd Phillips has a history of returning to direct sequels, such as The Hangover 2 and The Hangover 3. Thus, although fans shouldn’t hold their breath for Joker 3, there is always a possibility that Phillips could return if a compelling story presents itself.

The lingering question remains: what direction could Phillips take if Joker 3 were ever to materialize?

What is Joker 2 About?

Joker: Folie à Deux is set two years following the first film’s events. Arthur finds himself in Arkham, grappling with the notion of dual identity while Gotham’s assistant DA Harvey Dent pushes for his death sentence. Within Arkham, Fleck connects with Lee, developing a relationship that provides him with a renewed will to live.

The film showcases performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, under the direction of Todd Phillips. Moviegoers can catch Joker: Folie à Deux in theaters now.

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