Audiences were aware that the sequel to the Joker would be intense, but few expected just how extreme it would be. Batman enthusiasts are flocking to theaters to see Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2019 film.
There has been much discussion surrounding this film, particularly because it includes musical elements, although Lady Gaga has reassured fans that it is not a musical.
Despite skepticism regarding its potential success, viewers are urged to see the film before encountering any spoilers. However, it is not just the musical aspects that have divided viewers, but rather the film’s unexpected conclusion.
Social media has become a platform for debate over the film’s finale—whether it is seen as a stroke of genius or a significant misstep.
Warning: Spoilers follow.
In the film’s climax, Arthur finds himself back in prison after Harley Quinn leaves him, seemingly realizing that he is not the Joker. Yet, according to a Reddit user, this realization may have dire consequences for Arthur’s life.
An inmate approaches him in Arkham and begins to tell Arthur a joke, but before he can finish, the inmate stabs him, leading to Arthur’s death. Furthermore, the assailant carves a large smile on his own face, presenting himself as the “true Joker.”
Fans are drawing connections to Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight. One user noted that the Q&A hinted this character might be a younger version of Ledger’s Joker, suggesting an origin story for the Joker in that universe despite the differing versions of Gotham.
While some viewers reacted negatively, one stating it “sounds terrible,” others defended the ending. One fan argued that it critiques how society glorifies violence and elevates mythos and sensationalism, with Arthur’s death at the hands of a character willing to embrace the Joker’s legacy as a profound commentary.
Ultimately, the ending has polarized audiences, sparking substantial discussion, which might have been the filmmakers’ intention.