Joker sequel ‘in the works’ with Todd Phillips returning to write script

A sequel to the 2019 film Joker is in the works following its critical and commercial success, according to reports.

Todd Phillips, who directed and co-wrote the first flick, has sealed a deal to work his magic on Joker 2, The Hollywood Reporter claims.

The first film won a slew of awards, including an Academy Award for best actor in a leading role for actor Joaquin Phoenix for his portrayal of the titular villain.

The DC movie, which followed the story of failed stand-up comedian Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) driven insane and turn to a life of crime in Gotham, was co-written by Scott Silver.

However, it has yet to be confirmed whether Silver will return to Joker 2.

Following the release of Joker, Joaquin admitted he had mixed feelings about a sequel.

He told LA Times: ‘Long before the release or before we had any idea if it would be successful, we talked about sequels.’

‘In the second or third week of shooting, I was like, “Todd, can you start working on a sequel? There’s way too much to explore.” It was kind of in jest — but not really.’

Then he added: ‘I wouldn’t just do a sequel just because the first movie is successful. That’s ridiculous.’

While the first film, which was given an R rating, won praise around the globe, it also drew intense criticism for its glorification of crime.

During the promotional tour in 2019, Oscar winner Phoenix controversially stormed out of an interview when asked about the movie’s depiction of violence.

The Arthur Fleck actor was asked if he thinks particular scenes within the movie could inspire acts of violence in the real world.

According to The Telegraph, Phoenix walked out instead of answering and asked why the journalist would ask such a question.

He was later persuaded to return and continue with the interview.

Meanwhile, in an earlier interview, the star admitted he found playing the role ‘terrifying’, and revealed that the potential for danger is what sold him on it.

He told the New York Times: ‘I didn’t really know what it was. I didn’t know how to classify it.

‘I didn’t say, “This is the character I’m playing.” I didn’t know what we were going to do. It was terrifying.’

Meanwhile, Phillips revealed it was a struggle to get the 46-year-old to agree to star in the movie.

‘I was going to his house, basically begging him to do the movie. I go, “So I keep coming up here every day. At some point you, you gotta say are you in or out,” ‘he said.

‘And [Phoenix] said, “That’s not how you do it”… I always say he never really signed onto the movie. One day he just showed up at a wardrobe fitting.’