"I think they're just giving us time, and if we can figure it out, and if Joaquin's down to do it, we would do it."
When a film becomes the only rated “R” movie in history to cross $1 billion at the box office, with a current worldwide total of a whopping $1,048,923,625, talk of a sequel is inevitable.
After reports that a sequel to Joker was 100% happening were debunked, director Todd Phillips struck a more pensive and quietly optimistic tone in discussion on the
IGN UK podcast.
Even before Joker was released, the idea of a sequel was already discussed but Phillips did want to play down any expectations that it's 100% in the works already.
"Well there was [that push] even before Joker came out," he said.
"A movie does that kind of business and became that beloved around the world – they had talked to us about it. Joaquin and I had spoken about it anyway as far back as when we were shooting the movie. But, in all honesty, we haven't gone any further on it. Even Warner Bros. hasn't. I think they're just giving us time, and if we can figure it out, and if Joaquin's down to do it, we would do it. But we haven't gotten near that yet."
The director of Old School and The Hangover trilogy also said that he's also listening to the wishes of the people who don't want a sequel to be made.
Essentially, the fear is always there that the first film can't be topped, something that Phillips is very aware of.
"I think some people really think we shouldn't, and I understand that as well," he added.
"You know, you were saying that people's reaction to it is all positive. Some of it is, 'no, don't ruin it with a sequel' and I understand that too. It's interesting."
Joker is released on digital and Blu-ray on 7 January.
https://twitter.com/jokermovie/status/1201961805611819008
