Director Todd Phillips has reportedly signed on to co-write the script for a sequel to his Oscar-winning film JokerWhile the first film was originally intended to be a standalone feature, Phillips has expressed interest in returning for a sequel in the past.

Phillips directed and co-wrote the first Joker with screenwriter Scott Silver. They were both nominated for Academy Awards for best director and best adapted screenplay, respectively. News of Phillips already signing a deal to co-write a sequel was noted in a recent report from The Hollywood Reporter, but Warner Bros. has not made an official announcement regarding Joker 2 at this time.

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Joker was a complete reimagining of the classic Batman villain's origin story. Set sometime in the late '70s/early '80s, Phillips drew heavily on the films of legendary American director Martin Scorsese, such as Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy. It even featured veteran Scorsese actor Robert De Niro in a supporting role. While the film was critically and financially successful, becoming the most profitable comic book movie of all time, it wasn't without its controversies. Joker was heavily criticized for its portrayal of a mentally unstable man turning to violence after feeling ostracised by society, with some critics suggesting that it glorified this violence and could even encourage real-life Joker imitators. Other criticisms fell more on the film's aesthetic and overall plot, with some suggesting that it was merely a hollow imitation of better, previous Scorsese films.

Joker Joaquin Phoenix movie

Regardless, Joker was a huge success, earning lead actor Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for his performance as Arthur Fleck/The Joker. It also became the first R-rated film to gross over $1 billion at the box office, so it should come as no surprise that Warner Bros is interested in pursuing a sequel. Phillips has talked about doing a sequel in the past, saying he and Phoenix spoke about the possibility while filming the first film and that Warner Bros. appears to be giving them the time they need to come up with an idea, which they would pursue if all parties were on board. It should be noted that Phillips has only signed on to co-write the script, reportedly, so whether or not he returns to the director chair remains to be seen.

While Phoenix did win an Oscar for his performance, it remains to be seen whether the ambitious actor would return to the role of the Joker. The actor is notoriously unpredictable and doesn't exactly seem like an actor who would be interested in a long-running franchise part. However, while he hasn't signed on officially, Phoenix has also expressed interest in working with Phillips again and potentially returning for a sequel. Talking to the Hollywood Reporter, Phoenix previously said, “I don’t know that there is [more to do]. Me and Todd would still be shooting now if we could, right? Because it seemed endless, the possibilities of where we can go with the character.”

Joker also has the unique advantage (or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it) of not being connected to any other DC properties, meaning they could take the character in any direction they wanted. While the film does feature cameos from a young Bruce Wayne and Thomas/Martha Wayne, it's been implied that Joker takes place in its own movie universe, separate from any other DC films or shows. There's a new Batman movie on the horizon starring Robert Pattinson as the caped crusader, but so far it seems unlikely that Phillips and Phoenix's Joker will be connected to that film.

You can watch Joker streaming now on HBO Max.

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Source: The Hollywood Reporter