It’s the news movie fans have been waiting for – it looks like a Joker sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix is in the works.
While the movie was originally intended to be a standalone origin story, the film’s incredible performance at the box office seems to have changed things.
The film, which takes a look at the backstory of Batman’s greatest nemesis the Joker – also known as Arthur Dent – has taken more than $1 billion (£774m) worldwide since opening in October.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, director Todd Phillips is looking likely to reunite with Phoenix for a second movie, exploring the character further. They also said that Phillips is due to write the script with Scott Silver, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the first film.
Since the news broke, however, the director told The Playlist that while the prospect of a sequel has been discussed, reports that a second movie has been officially confirmed are wide of the mark.
"I have to be honest, it came out of nowhere," Phillips told The Playlist. "Obviously, sequels have been discussed when a movie that cost $60 million made $1 billion, but we have not had any serious conversations about it."
Joker became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever this year, its performance seemingly not affected by controversy surrounding the violent nature of the film. Phoenix also previously walked out of an interview when he was asked about the subject.
Joker (2019) starring Joaquin Phoenix - In pictures
