Summary
AJoker 2review by a notable individual who’s seen the DC movie may have increased the already-high expectations for Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s long-awaited film.
Jokerdebuted to divided opinions, with critics likeDavid Fincher arguingJokerwas similarto Martin Scorsese’sTaxi DriverandThe King of Comedyand critiquing its depiction of mental illness. However, fans praisedJokerfor Phoenix’s performances, Todd Philipps' direction, and offering a different take on comic book movies. The supporters were arguably vindicated whenJokergrossed over $1 billion at the box office and received several awards, including the Oscar for Best Actor and Best Original Score. Naturally, fans have great expectations forJoker 2, and one person seemingly believes the sequel will meet or surpass them.
Joker 2will premiere at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, and the event’s chief, Alberto Barbera, offered insight into how the sequel will surpass its predecessor. During an interview withDeadline, Barbera noted that whileJoker 2continues the first entry, the two films are “completely different,” adding that fans will be surprised if they expect the same “in terms of violence.” Barbera also revealed hisJoker 2reaction after seeing the film earlier this year:
When I saw the film in L.A. at the beginning of February there were four or five of us in the screening room, including writer Scott Silver, and we were astonished, our mouths were open at the end of the screening. It is a darker film.
One way in whichJoker 2will differentiate itself from the first film is through music.Joker 2is a musicalfeaturing covers of pre-existing songs and potentially original material. Barbera made a bold claim aboutJoker 2’s place in American cinema and how it will cement Phillips' reputation as a filmmaker. “It’s a dystopian musical, or a musical of sorts. I think it’s one of the most daring, brave[,] and creative films in recent American cinema. And I think it really confirms Todd Phillips as one of the most creative directors working at the moment,” Barbera said before adding that he would be surprised if the Academy didn’t respond toJoker 2and saying Phoenix gives an outstanding performance.
This praise should comfort fans worried aboutJoker 2trying to recapture lightning in a bottle. While Joker was undoubtedly a financial and award-winning success, recreating that success with a sequel could be difficult. On the other hand, Phillips, Phoenix, Lady Gaga, and the rest of the team have seemingly put everything intoJoker 2, and Barbera believes the effort paid off.
The question is, canJoker 2win over audiences who weren’t fans of the first film? Of course, others could argue the sequel doesn’t need to win over new audiences. TheJoker 2trailers received positive reactions and Lady Gaga’s involvement could attract some of her fans who might otherwise not have been interested in the film. There are also rumors thatJoker 2will feature appearances by classic DC characters, so comic book fans will likely be pleased by the easter eggs bound to be peppered throughout the film. So, there’s no shortage of interest inJoker 2, but whether it measures up remains to be seen.
Joker: Folie à Deuxis scheduled to be released in theaters on July 20, 2025.
Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker is the origin story of Batman’s most iconic villain. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is a down-on-his-luck clown trying to become a successful stand-up comedian. When things don’t go according to plan, and Arthur feels Gotham is oppressing him and others with mental illness, Arthur sparks a violent revolution within the city. Alongside Phoenix stars Zazie Beetz, Robert De Niro, and Frances Conroy.
