What the ending of 'Joker 2' means for the franchise
What's the story
The Hollywood film Joker: Folie à Deux, directed by Todd Phillips, was released on Wednesday.
The film continues Arthur Fleck's journey from the blockbuster 2019 prequel, blending dark psychological themes with unexpected and frequent musical elements.
However, the film's climax leaves its fate hanging in balance, raising concerns about the possibility of a third part.
Spoilers ahead.
Climax explained
Does Fleck's demise mean the end of 'Joker' franchise
In the climax, Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, meets his end in a symbolic scene that offers a bleak yet deep commentary on his struggle with identity.
After an explosion at the courthouse, he is left to reflect on his actions at Arkham Asylum.
Subsequently, in the final few moments, he's confronted by another inmate who shockingly stabs him!
The film's shock ending thus signifies not only his physical demise but also the death of any hope for his redemption.
Future
What the final moments mean
The inmate who stabs Fleck sits next to him, reveling in the disgraceful deed.
He carves the famous Joker smile on his face while Fleck lies in a pool of blood, symbolizing that while this may be the end of Fleck, Joker's ideology and cult following unabashedly live on.
Thus, while Fleck may not return in any future installments, makers may underline the after-effects of his demise and the spread of his beliefs in any future spin-offs.
Character influence
Harley Quinn's role in Fleck's descent
Coming to other aspects, Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga, emerges as both a love interest and an active catalyst in Fleck's descent into madness.
Their relationship quickly evolves at Arkham Asylum, driven by a mutual fascination with each other's dark sides.
Harley embodies the chaos that Fleck fears and idolizes, and her acceptance of him fuels his lunacy.
Since her story has just begun in Joker 2, the possibility of her spin-off remains ripe.