Joaquin Phoenix is receiving rave reviews for his performance in ‘Joker’ but don’t expect him to return to battle Batman in a future film…
The highly anticipated ‘Joker’ film debuted recently in Venice and not only received a standing ovation when the movie finished but the film from director Todd Phillips starring Joaquin Phoenix ended up taking home to the top prize at the Venice Film Festival.
Phoenix has been praised for his portrayal as tattered comedian Arthur Fleck, who slowly dissolves into madness before he transforms into Joker — a character made famous as arguably Batman’s greatest villain.
While there are plenty of connections to the Caped Crusader in ‘Joker’ including an appearance from Thomas Wayne — Bruce Wayne’s father — the story that takes place in this film is a stand alone story and a one off for Phoenix playing the Clown Prince of Crime.
As much as audiences may enjoy Phoenix’s take on Joker, don’t expect him to return to battle the future Batman, who will be played by ‘Twilight’ actor Robert Pattinson in an upcoming film from Matt Reeves.
“No, definitely not,” Phillips answered when asked about Phoenix’s Joker meeting Pattinson’s Batman at a press junket in Toronto.
Phillips added that as much as he enjoyed Phoenix’s portrayal as Joker, it didn’t take away from the way he loved Heath Ledger’s take on the role or Jack Nicholson playing the same part in 1989’s ‘Batman’.
In fact, it’s likely at some point in the near future another Joker will be cast and perhaps that version will be the one to oppose Pattison’s Batman and that’s completely OK by Phillips.
“Oddly, in the states, comic books are our Shakespeare it seems, and you can do many many versions of “Hamlet,” Phillips said. “There will be many more Jokers, I’m sure, in the future.”
‘Joker’ will open in theaters nationwide on October 4.
