The project has the backing of A24. One follow-up possibility is a "Joker" sequel movie, but would Phoenix really want to play the role that won him the Oscar again? The actor is keeping the door open for
now.
Backstage at the Globes last month, Phoenix pushed back at the idea a "Joker" sequel would be made as a cash grab. "I don't think that I've ever done too many predictable things," he said. "So if [a
Joker sequel] came up it's not because Todd or I are following some rule book. It's because we feel inspired to explore the character more thoroughly. That'd be the only reason for me to do it."
"Joker" was released at the start of October by Warner Bros. and grossed $96 million in the U.S. on its debut weekend before heading to a domestic haul of $333 million and a staggering global gross of
$1.06 billion. These numbers make "Joker" the highest-grossing R-rated film in history (unadjusted for inflation), and the most profitable comic book film ever made. The film's popularity among audiences
broke through pre-release concerns from some film critics that "Joker" might entice violence in some audience members. Phoenix told IndieWire in the fall that all of the gray areas in the film's script
convinced him to agree to star in a comic book movie. The actor was long hesitant to join a comic book tentpole and even passed on Marvel's "Doctor Strange" several years ago.
"I couldn't come up with any answers," Phoenix said. "That's what made me feel I had to do it. I felt
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overwhelmed and terrified by it. Usually when I'm scared of something, it makes me feel like I have to go towards it. I had so many mixed feelings about the character. And I like that. I don't think we
have enough of that in movies, particularly in a superhero genre movie. I hate the idea of labeling something, just mostly because I don't really know what the genres are."
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