Despite persistent rumors and even apparent confirmation from the trades last year, we still haven't had official word that a sequel to Todd Phillips' controversial smash-hit, Joker, is in-development.
Both Phillips and star Joaquin Phoenix have expressed interest in further exploring Arthur Fleck's tragic story, but have mostly remained noncommittal when asked if there's been any progress on the follow-up in interviews. However, it sounds like there has been some movement on the elusive project since our last update.
In his report on new DC Films Division heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy enlisting Phillips in an advisory capacity, reliable Puck insider Matthew Belloni claims that the filmmaker is getting "pretty close" on the sequel. Whether that means he's almost finished the script or is actually preparing to begin production is unclear, but the former seems more likely.
Joker made over $1 billion for Warner Bros., so the studio was always going to attempt to replicate its success with a sequel. By all accounts, cracking the story was the biggest roadblock, which is understandable given the first film's standalone nature.
How would you guys like to see Arthur's tale continue in a Joker sequel? Or do you think the original should be left alone? Drop us a comment down below.