Joker 2 Ending Explained: Director Reveals Actor Playing the Real Joker

Joker 2: Unraveling the Ending and Major Surprise Revealed by Director – Who is the True Joker? Actor Uncovered!

Joker: Folie a Deux introduces a plot twist that will alter your perception of the entire franchise. Joaquin Phoenix returns to portray Arthur Fleck in this highly anticipated sequel, which has just hit theaters. Once again, Todd Phillips takes on the role of writer-director. However, the film has received a mixed reception, with audiences rating it a disappointing “D” on CinemaScore and critics giving it a mere 32% on Rotten Tomatoes. So what unfolds in the climax, and what insights did Phillips share? Let’s dig deeper.

Joker: Folie a Deux centers around Arthur Fleck and the fallout from his murder trial, culminating in his conviction. The film’s closing scene finds a despondent Arthur in Arkham, grappling with a breakup from Lee. He learns that he has a visitor, and as he walks down the corridor, he is trailed by the “Young Inmate,” played by newcomer Connor Storrie. The Inmate asks Arthur for a joke. Despite his condition, Arthur urges him to hurry, to which the Inmate shares a tale of a clown and a psychopath in a bar, ending with the punchline, “I’ll get you what you f–king deserve.” In a shocking turn, the Inmate then stabs Arthur repeatedly as he bleeds on the floor, maniacally laughing while carving a smile into his own face—revealing that the true Joker was the Young Inmate all along, with Arthur merely serving as his muse.

In an interview, Todd Phillips unpacked this unexpected ending and intrigue surrounding the twist. He noted that many viewers misunderstood the intention behind the original film, which was subtly titled Joker rather than The Joker. The narrative was crafted as an origin story, but not necessarily the definitive origin of the character we all know. Phillips stated, “It was this idea that maybe this isn’t THE Joker. Maybe this is the inspiration for the Joker. So, in essence at the end of this movie, the thing you’re being left with is ‘Wait, what is that thing happening behind him? Is that the guy?’”

He elaborated on Arthur’s character, emphasizing that he’s not painted as a criminal genius. This was clear from the initial film’s narrative, leaving audiences to deduce what Arthur could evolve into in their imaginations. The challenge is in how society and media place expectations on such icons, which may not align with their realities.

Phillips also reflected on Arthur’s sense of hope leading into the final moments, suggesting that he was perhaps awaiting Lee’s arrival. “I think Arthur has found peace with the idea… it’s okay to be yourself. And that’s really what he’s always struggled with,” Phillips expressed. He interpreted Arthur’s interaction with the Young Inmate as emblematic of his enduring hope, saying, “Arthur still has hope. I think Joaquin is so beautiful in that scene.”

The sequel saw the return of only four cast members from the original film, shifting the dynamic significantly. As we await further developments in this intriguing saga, fans are left to ponder the complex nature of the characters and the franchise as a whole.