Joker: Folie à Deux' director Todd Phillips on the allure of the 'shadow self'

Todd Phillips believes that audiences are craving laughter in these times, and he's eager to contribute to that need.

In a candid interview with Variety, Todd Phillips delved into a recurring theme in his filmography - his fascination with characters who shed their carefully constructed facades to reveal their authentic, often tumultuous, selves. He sees this theme as central to the "Joker" films, where Arthur Fleck's descent into madness is a stark illustration of a man breaking free from societal constraints.

Phillips hinted that "Joker: Folie à Deux" may represent the culmination of his exploration of this dark and complex world. While he doesn't explicitly confirm the end of the "Joker" franchise, his words suggest a sense of completion and a desire to move on to new creative territories.

The director also expressed a longing to return to his comedic roots. He envisions a future collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix, showcasing the actor's often-understated comedic talent. Phillips believes that audiences are craving laughter in these challenging times, and he's eager to contribute to that need.

This shift in focus signals a potential turning point in Phillips' career. While he has achieved critical and commercial success with the "Joker" films, his desire to explore lighter themes suggests a willingness to embrace a different side of his filmmaking prowess. It will be interesting to see how Phillips' signature style translates into the realm of comedy, especially with a collaborator as versatile as Phoenix.