WARNING: This article includes MAJOR spoilers from Joker: Folie à Deux.New reports about the Joker: Folie à Deux ending.

In a new detailed report from The Hollywood Reporter, their sources claim that Phoenix is being blamed as a big reason for Joker: Folie à Deux's critical results. Per the trade, "the idea for the sequel came to Phoenix in a dream," leading to the Academy-Award-winning actor and director Todd Phillips to pitch it to now-former-chairman of Warner Bros., Toby Emmerich. When asked who the targeted audience was for the DC sequel, "one outside source sums it up this way: "For Joaquin.""

What The Joker 2's Joaquin Phoenix Comments Mean

It's crucial to that at the time of this story's publication, Phoenix or Phillips have yet to respond to THR's claims about Joker: Folie à Deux, meaning this is still just allegedly what may have gone down. If this is what actually happened, it's also key to take into that the makings of a major Hollywood blockbuster don't fall upon just one person. In the end, the only way Joker: Folie à Deux was allowed to happen was because the regime at Warner Bros. at the time was the one that signed off on making the sequel happen, just like if a Joker 3 movie had been greenlit.

Given things like the directing, writing, production, performances, and the full execution of the film all factor into its reception, it's hard to simply put the blame on Phoenix. The ultimate reason why Joker: Folie à Deux happened was because 2019's Joker became a critical box office success for the studio, which makes it more than the film being simply "for Joaquin," as there were hopes for another financial hit. The initial plan was to have the Joker movie be a one-and-done rather than the start of a franchise, which is ultimately on the studio.

Our Take On The Joker 2 Report's Joaquin Phoenix Comments

Regardless of whether Phoenix was a big factor in the film's result, it may not matter too much in the long run, since Joker: Folie à Deux was meant to end Arthur's story. There is always going to be a debate about whether or not this was a movie that needed to happen, but regardless of how it is being perceived, it seems harsh to paint Phoenix as the sole reason. For now, time will tell what other stories may come out about the makings of Joker: Folie à Deux as it continues its theatrical run.

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Source: THR