How Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker Would React to Meeting ‘The Batman’

We have only seen Bruce Wayne briefly in Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘Joker’, but that glimpse left fans eagerly anticipating more. Director Todd Phillips recently discussed how his version of the Joker would respond to the existence of Batman in Gotham. 

Though it may be some time before we witness a detective Batman in this universe, the two characters’ eventual meeting seems inevitable. Phillips shared that his Joker, Arthur Fleck, would actually admire Batman. 

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Despite Fleck’s deep resentment toward the wealthy, he would be in awe of his iconic foe. Phillips further explained that his version of the Joker differs greatly from other interpretations we’ve seen in comics and previous films.

In an interview with IGN, Phillips highlighted Fleck’s obsession with men who appear comfortable in their own skin. He noted that Fleck admired Robert De Niro’s character, Murray Franklin, in the first film, saying, “Arthur always had a fascination with men at ease, and he is not a man at ease.”

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Phillips elaborated that Arthur likely viewed even his former co-workers as “men at ease.” Batman, as the ultimate figure of control and confidence, would likely inspire both admiration and envy in Fleck, who could never achieve that same level of ease.

While fans may dream of seeing Phoenix’s Joker encounter Batman, Phillips has confirmed that a third ‘Joker’ film is unlikely. He expressed interest, however, in a Batman film set in his Gotham, with a 10 to 15-year time jump, allowing for more character development.

Image Courtesy: Screen Rant

Following the massive success of the first Joker film, director Todd Phillips is set to captivate audiences once again with ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. The highly anticipated sequel brings back Joaquin Phoenix as the iconic Joker, while also introducing Lady Gaga in the role of Harley Quinn, setting the stage for an intriguing new chapter in this dark and twisted universe.

With Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning portrayal and Gaga adding her star power to the mix, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ promises to delve deeper into the complex, chaotic world of Gotham, offering a fresh and compelling dynamic between these two infamous characters.

-Sushmita Sarkar