The Hidden Message in “Joker Folie à Deux” Ending: Could We See a Joker 3?

The much-anticipated sequel, “Joker Folie à Deux”, has left fans with more questions than answers. While the film may have received mixed reviews, it certainly opens the door to more intriguing possibilities in the Joker universe. So, where do we go from here? Could there be a “Joker 3”? Let’s dive into the film’s ending and explore the potential for a third instalment. Be warned, there are spoilers ahead!

The Mess That Is ‘Joker Folie à Deux’

Let’s face it—“Joker Folie à Deux” is a mess. It’s a far cry from the cinematic masterpiece that was 2019’s “Joker”, which became the first-ever R-rated film to gross over $1 billion worldwide. Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in the first film, but don’t expect any awards this time around.

Despite its chaotic storytelling and uneven tone, “Joker Folie à Deux” positions itself as a potential cult classic. Think of it as this generation’s “Grease 2”—so baffling it’s almost brilliant. The real question, though, is whether this film is setting up for another Joker-centric story.

Arthur Fleck Is Dead—Or Is He?

One of the most significant twists of “Joker Folie à Deux” is the revelation that Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix) may not have been the Joker after all. Arthur is a deeply troubled, empathic character whose mental illness led him to become a symbol larger than life. But in this sequel, we learn that Arthur’s Joker persona isn’t quite the psychopathic criminal mastermind we expected.

Does this mean Arthur Fleck is dead? Possibly. But, as we soon discover, Arthur was never really the Joker we know from Batman lore. Instead, he was more of a tragic figure consumed by his own darkness, unable to form relationships without his alter ego taking over.

What Does ‘Folie à Deux’ Mean?

The title of the film, “Folie à Deux,” refers to a shared delusion or mental disorder affecting two people, typically close family members. In the context of the film, this seems to apply to the dual personalities of Arthur Fleck and his Joker persona. But the film takes this concept further by introducing us to Harleen Quinzel (played by Lady Gaga), who complicates the meaning of the title even more.

Crazy in Love? Or Just a Fan?

Lady Gaga’s character, Harleen Quinzel, is a psychiatrist at Arkham State Hospital. Unlike Arthur, she isn’t mentally ill—at least, not initially. She checks herself into Arkham, seemingly fascinated by the notoriety and fame surrounding the Joker. Her obsession leads her to become entangled in Arthur’s world, and before long, they share a deeply twisted connection.

However, despite all the romantic tension between Arthur and Harleen, she doesn’t quite fit the bill as his folie à deux counterpart. It turns out that Harleen might be faking her interest in Arthur, leading audiences to wonder: Could she be more interested in the real Joker?

Who Is the Real Joker?

This brings us to the film’s most significant twist. Towards the end of “Joker Folie à Deux,” Arthur is attacked in Arkham by a fellow inmate known only as “Young Inmate” (played by Connor Storrie). This character stabs Arthur and then mutilates his face, creating the iconic Joker grin by carving a smile into his cheeks.

So who is this Young Inmate? As the film suggests, this mysterious inmate is, in fact, the real Joker—the criminal mastermind who will one day face off against Bruce Wayne. This twist places Arthur Fleck as merely a precursor to the Joker we’ve known from the Batman comics and films.

Arthur’s Death: A Passing of the Torch?

Arthur’s gruesome death at the hands of this Young Inmate could be interpreted as a symbolic passing of the torch. While Arthur served as a symbol of chaos and anarchy in the first film, he was never truly the Joker. Now, with Arthur out of the way, this new character can rise to become the true clown prince of crime.

A Nod to Past Jokers

The scene where Young Inmate carves a smile into Arthur’s face harkens back to previous incarnations of the Joker. From Tim Burton’s “Batman” to Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight,” the character’s facial scars have always been a point of fascination. In “Joker Folie à Deux,” we finally get a definitive backstory for the Joker’s infamous smile.

Lady Gaga’s Harleen Quinzel: A True Harley Quinn?

While Lady Gaga’s Harleen Quinzel isn’t fully embraced as Harley Quinn in “Joker Folie à Deux,” the groundwork is certainly laid for her transformation. Could she fall for this new, more dangerous Joker? It’s possible. After all, Harleen is drawn to the idea of the Joker more than to Arthur himself. Her two-faced nature could indicate a future where she fully becomes the Harley Quinn we know from the comics.

Harry Lawtey’s Role as Two-Face

One of the more puzzling additions to “Joker Folie à Deux” is the inclusion of Harvey Dent, played by Harry Lawtey. Dent, a district attorney, prosecutes Arthur for murder in the film. But after a bomb attack leaves half of his face disfigured, we’re left wondering: Is this the setup for a new villain?

In the comics, Harvey Dent famously becomes Two-Face, a tragic character torn between his good and evil sides. Could Lawtey’s portrayal of Harvey Dent be setting up a larger story arc for Two-Face in a potential Joker 3?

The Batman and Joker Connection

The Joker universe created by Todd Phillips is distinct from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t parallels. The introduction of a new Joker in “Joker Folie à Deux” mirrors the appearance of Barry Keoghan’s Joker in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” franchise. While these universes remain separate, there’s potential for future crossovers or parallel storylines.

Will There Be a Joker 3?

The burning question on everyone’s mind: Could there be a “Joker 3”? While Todd Phillips has stated that he’s done with the Joker universe, the introduction of new characters like Harleen Quinzel, Two-Face, and the real Joker suggests that the door is still open for future films.

Phillips himself has said that “Joker Folie à Deux” was meant to feel like it was made by crazy people, with no adherence to reality or continuity. Yet, the film is filled with Easter eggs and hints that suggest a larger story at play.

Why Todd Phillips May Not Return

Todd Phillips has been clear that he’s stepping away from the Joker universe, stating that he’s said all he wanted to say in these two films. However, that doesn’t mean the characters we’ve been introduced to are finished. Lady Gaga’s Harleen Quinzel and Connor Storrie’s Joker could easily carry on the mantle in a potential third film, even without Phillips at the helm.

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What Could ‘Joker 3’ Look Like?

If “Joker 3” were to happen, it would likely focus on the real Joker and his rise to power in Gotham. We could also see Harleen Quinzel fully embrace her role as Harley Quinn, potentially forming an even more dangerous partnership with the new Joker.

The Verdict on ‘Joker Folie à Deux’

While “Joker Folie à Deux” may not have lived up to the expectations set by its predecessor, it does serve as a fascinating entry into the Joker mythos. The film’s chaotic narrative and introduction of new characters leave the door open for more stories to be told. Whether or not we get a “Joker 3,” the ending of “Folie à Deux” sets up a future filled with potential for more villain origin stories.

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Conclusion

In the end, “Joker Folie à Deux” might not have been the sequel everyone wanted, but it offers plenty to speculate on. With the introduction of a new Joker, the hints at future villains like Two-Face, and Lady Gaga’s take on Harleen Quinzel, the potential for a third film is undeniable. While Todd Phillips may not be interested in continuing the series, the Joker’s story may be far from over.

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