Keen on the idea of turning Joker into a trilogy, Warner Bros. is reportedly in active negotiations to lure Joaquin Phoenix back for more. If what sources are indicating is in fact true, the acclaimed actor behind Arthur Fleck / eponymous character is on track to secure a $50 million payday for two Joker sequels.
It’s only natural that the studio would want to pursue this opportunity given the Todd Phillips directed film’s incredible all-round success last year – over US$1 billion in box office revenue against a US$70 million budget; countless award nominations, cleaning up at the BAFTAs and earning Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor; captivating the cultural zeitgeist in a way that few films can.
What is surprising, however, is Phoenix’s own interest. Not exactly one for a franchise – and having even turned down the role of Marvel’s Doctor Strange due to the ongoing commitment it would entail – so-called insiders are now revealing Phoenix may now have a different stance on comic book flicks after his experience with Joker.
“Joaquin initially felt Joker was a standalone movie,” an insider tells The Mirror.
“But he’s changed his tune now. He says he wants to play this character again, despite the controversies that came with the release last year… It’s still being negotiated but the scripts are being written and Joaquin is very engaged with it.”
At this point, the plan apparently involves two Joker sequels accomplished across a four-year timeline starting from now. In addition to Joaquin Phoenix making a return, director Todd Phillips and producer Bradley Cooper are also being courted by Warner Bros. to reprise their roles behind the camera.
We’ll be sure to update you as soon as there’s relevant news.
