While 2019's Joker clearly wasn't a movie overly concerned with adhering to the comic books, it did take place in a Gotham City with at least a few noteworthy ties to the DC Universe.
Chief among them was the presence of the Wayne family. The movie went to great lengths to make us - and Arthur Fleck - believe he might be the illegitimate son of Thomas Wayne (making him Bruce Wayne's half-brother).
It was an intriguing idea but Arthur eventually learned his mother lied; however, Joker at least left some room for interpretation by making it possible that Thomas faked those adoption papers to hide his infidelity.
During Joker's final act, Arthur's actions inspire other criminals in Gotham to act out, including the man who guns down the young Bruce Wayne's parents in front of him.
You'd think at least some of these ideas would be revisited in Joker: Folie à Deux, but nope, outside of a quick shot of Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne does not appear and is not mentioned. We weren't necessarily expecting Bruce to show up as Batman in this movie but the future Caped Crusader and the fate of his family are a non-factor.
Many fans had hoped that, if a sequel happened, it would perhaps feature a vengeful Bruce becoming a grounded Batman to make "Joker" pay. Instead, the focus shifts to Arthur's romance with Lee Quinzel and those divisive musical elements.
Filmmaker Todd Phillips has always been transparent about not wanting to tell a Batman story so Bruce's absence likely won't come as shock. However, as this is where the story ends, it feels like a missed trick not to have at least thrown in an Easter Egg!
Are you disappointed Joker: Folie à Deux doesn't explore what became of Bruce?
Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that's always been inside him.
The sequel stars Joaquin Phoenix once again in his Oscar-winning dual role as Arthur Fleck/Joker, opposite Oscar-winner Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born). The movie also features Oscar nominees Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Catherine Keener (Get Out), alongside Zazie Beetz, reprising her role from Joker.
Phillips, who was nominated for Oscars for directing, writing and producing Joker, directed Joker: Folie À Deux from a screenplay by fellow Oscar nominee Scott Silver & Phillips, based on characters from DC. This follow-up was produced by Phillips, Oscar nominee Emma Tillinger Koskoff and Joseph Garner. Lady Gaga served as music consultant.
Joker: Folie À Deux is now playing in theaters.