Todd Phillips Bids Farewell to DC Universe After "Joker: Folie à Deux"

The highly anticipated "Joker: Folie à Deux" has finally hit theaters, marking the end of director Todd Phillips' journey in the DC Universe. This sequel to the 2019 blockbuster brings a fresh twist to the iconic villain's tale, but has it lived up to the hype?

A Star-Studded Affair

Phillips recently walked the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere, joined by the film's leads, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. The star power was undeniable, but would it be enough to recreate the magic of the first film?

Revisiting the Clown Prince of Crime

Remember when Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur Fleck in "Joker" (2019) sent shockwaves through Hollywood? The film not only bagged Phoenix an Oscar but also raked in over $1 billion at the box office. Talk about a tough act to follow!

A New Chapter Unfolds

"Joker: Folie à Deux" picks up with Arthur Fleck meeting his soulmate, Harley Quinn (played by Lady Gaga), in the infamous Arkham Asylum. It's a match made in... well, not heaven, but you get the idea.

Gaga's Grand Entrance

In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Phillips spilled the beans on how Lady Gaga joined the project:

"We sent her half the script initially, and she quickly messaged back saying she was interested and loved it. Then I visited her home to discuss what was to come, as Scott Silver and I hadn't finished writing yet. We're slow writers, you know?"

Phillips Closes the Book on DC

When asked about the possibility of a standalone Harley Quinn film or even a "Joker 3," Phillips dropped a bombshell:

"That's not where this is headed for me. I feel like my time in the DC Universe is limited to these two films."

Talk about going out with a bang! Phillips, known for "The Hangover" trilogy and "War Dogs," seems content to leave Gotham behind.

Lady Gaga's Double Act

Not one to do things by halves, Lady Gaga released her "Harlequin" album to coincide with the film's premiere. She shared her thoughts on the experience:

"Creatively exploring this music and character was truly special. This role felt like a journey through some dark moments in my life that I'd rather not share. This arena, this film, this story – it was the perfect place to put it all."

The Verdict Is In

"Joker: Folie à Deux" hit theaters on October 4, 2024, but the reception has been... mixed, to put it mildly. With a 39% critic score and 37% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, plus a 5.4 rating on IMDb, it seems the sequel might not have struck the same chord as its predecessor.

What's Next for the Clown Prince?

While Phillips may be hanging up his DC hat, the future of the Joker franchise remains uncertain. No official word on a third installment yet, but in Hollywood, never say never!