5 Directions Joker 2 Could Take
4. The Three Jokers
It was revealed in 2016's Darkseid War that there have been three Jokers over the course of Batman's crime fighting career. While a fan vote will determine whether this becomes official canon or not, the idea itself works in the cinematic arena.
Jumping ahead to Joker 3, what if a trilogy of movies gets produced? The first is set in 1981. The second jumping ahead to 2001, with the third and final instalment tying all three together with a contemporary 2021 setting.
Arthur Fleck might not operate as The Joker for the rest of his days. There's a strong chance he just sits in a padded cell for decades. The core theme of the first movie is that anyone can be The Joker. This idea's been explored in the comics and TV. Arthur's influence can continue outside of the confines of Arkham Asylum, creating multiple people given the label of The Joker.
After three movies of different maniacs reaking havoc in their own paint and purple suit, the three could meet up for one final, hellacious spectacle. An aged, withered Arthur Fleck serves as a pseudo deity for two younger worshipers at his altar. The best part? Batman can still show up, because nobody else is gonna be able to take on three Jokers at once.
It would be an ambitious project. The hardest part would be locking down two more actors who could match what Joaquin Phoenix did in the original. Each new portrayal of the character adds an extra layer that fans will look for in the next incarnation.
Comparisons to the greats like Ledger and Hamill will always permeate, so picking the right actor is key. Given the period setting of Joker, making each follow-up specific to its time period and reflecting that in the title character is a way to contextualise them. The Joker is usually timeless and undefined. Maybe it's time to go in the opposite direction and make them a product of their time?