A Joker sequel is reportedly in the works with Todd Phillips as director.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Phillips, the filmmaker behind the psychological thriller starring Joaquin Phoenix, met with Warner Bros Pictures Group chairman Toby Emmerich on 7 October to discuss possible projects.
Phillips reportedly offered to develop more DC characters origin stories, following a similar format to Joker‘s.
Emmerich “balked” at the idea, according to The Hollywood Reporter – but while it’s unclear whether this larger project will materialise, Phillips has obtained the rights to at least one more DC Comics movie and a Joker sequel is now “on the way”, the website reported.
Released in October 2019, Joker has become the most successful R-rated film of all time at the box office and has now brought in more than $1bn worldwide.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Phillips is set to write the sequel screenplay with Scott Silver, with whom he co-authored the 2019 original.
The filmmaker will reportedly earn about $100m, having opted for a larger slice of Joker‘s adjusted gross instead of an upfront salary.
Phoenix is considered a leading contender in the Oscars race for his performance as Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who turns into the Batman nemesis over the course of the two-hour film.
Both Phillips and Phoenix have indicated that they’d be willing to work on a Joker sequel together.
