Warner Bros. has greenlit development of a sequel to the blockbuster Joker – as well as other, similiar origin films for DC characters, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Joker co-writer/director Todd Phillips reportedly pitched a multi-film series of “DC characters’ origin stories” last month on October 7, the Monday after his film’s $96.2 million opening domestic weekend. According to THR, Warner Bros. Pictures Group Chairman Toby Emmerich turned down the bigger plan but did reportedly grant Phillips the rights to “at least one other DC” story. But now, a month and change later, the studio has reportedly begun talks with Phillips to co-write (with the original’s Scott Silver) and direct a Joker sequel as well.
Joaquin Phoenix & Todd Phillips
Credit: Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com
In public interviews, both Phillips and lead actor Joaquin Phoenix have been non-committal about a sequel, but THR reports that Phoenix’s contract for the original film included options for sequels.
In addition, Phillips will reportedly earn “close to $100 million” for the Joker “when the dust has settled,” as he allegedly deferred his upfront salary for a portion of the adjusted gross.
THR reporter Tatiana Siegel speculates that Phillips “would be well suited” for origin movies centered on Darkseid or Lex Luthor, but did not report having any insider knowledge on that front.
Phillips has previously stated that during the development of Joker, he pitched the film as the flagship of a new line of DC films titled “DC Black.”