Exploring the Absence of End Credits in Joker: Folie à Deux

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga star in Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 smash hit Joker, which is now showing in theaters. Fans are buzzing with excitement, and many are curious: Does this new installment include an end credits scene hinting at future chaos? The original Joker was a groundbreaking film, becoming the first R-rated movie to surpass the $1 billion mark in global box office sales, as reported by Box Office Mojo. Directed by Todd Phillips, it garnered a staggering 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, ultimately winning two Oscars—one for Phoenix, who received the Best Actor award for his haunting portrayal of Arthur Fleck, the troubled individual who transforms into the infamous Joker. The immense success of the first film practically guaranteed a sequel, and five years later, both Phoenix and Phillips have returned with Folie à Deux.

In this sequel, Phillips elevates the narrative stakes by blending the crime drama and psychological thriller genres with musical elements, introducing pop superstar Lady Gaga as Lee Quinzel, better known as Harley Quinn. The film’s logline states: “Joker: Folie à Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham, waiting for trial for his crimes as Joker. While grappling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love but also discovers the music that has always been within him.” Traditionally, end credits scenes serve two purposes: they either resolve unresolved plot points from earlier in the film or tease future installments. This practice has become increasingly prevalent in superhero movies, yet it’s essential to note that both Joker and its sequel deviate significantly from standard comic book adaptations. Although the Joker character is rooted in the Batman comics created by Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, and Bill Finger, the Joker films take on a grittier, more realistic tone akin to classic Martin Scorsese films like Mean Streets.

As with the original Joker, Folie à Deux does not feature an end credits scene. This absence does not necessarily signify that the Joker story is over, despite Todd Phillips’ comments to Variety prior to the film’s premiere at the Venice International Film Festival. He noted, “It was fun to play in this sort of sandbox for two movies, but I think we’ve said what we wanted to say in this world.” This statement suggests that while this chapter may be closed, the possibility of future projects, like a Harley Quinn spinoff, remains open, especially if Folie à Deux performs well at the box office.

The success of Joker: Folie à Deux will heavily influence whether a third Joker film or a Harley Quinn-centric project becomes a reality. Early projections indicate a promising start for the sequel, with Variety estimating its opening weekend earnings between $50 million and $65 million across 4,100 theaters domestically, and an additional $80 million to $85 million internationally. This puts the global total estimated earnings at around $130 million to $150 million. While these figures are robust for most films, it’s crucial to remember that Folie à Deux comes with a hefty production budget of approximately $200 million, excluding marketing costs. For context, the original Joker had a much lower budget of $65 million before prints and advertising, yet it achieved $96 million in domestic earnings during its opening weekend, complemented by over $152 million in international sales, leading to a combined total of $248 million in its first three days.

Rated R, Joker: Folie à Deux will begin previews on Thursday before its nationwide release on Friday. The film’s unique blend of dark themes, musical elements, and strong performances from its lead actors creates an engaging cinematic experience. The reception from audiences and critics alike will ultimately determine the future trajectory of the Joker franchise and any potential spinoffs. As the film opens in theaters, fans eagerly await not only its storyline and performances but also the implications of its success on future Joker-related projects. Will the financial success of Folie à Deux lead to another sequel or a spin-off focusing on Harley Quinn? The box office results will be pivotal in deciding whether the Joker saga continues or if this chapter closes with the haunting strains of music and madness.

In conclusion, Joker: Folie à Deux is poised to captivate audiences with its fresh take on a beloved character while maintaining the gritty, psychological complexity that defined its predecessor. With no end credits scene to ponder, fans can focus on the film’s narrative, its artistic choices, and the profound themes it explores—while keeping one eye on the future, where the Joker’s chaos may not be entirely finished.