The world of cinema has a knack for tugging at fans’ heartstrings. In Hollywood, adaptations are the bread and butter of the industry, and comic book adaptations are the cherry on top. However, when fan emotions are involved, there is a delicate balancing act that can either lead to soaring triumph or a spectacular flop. Likewise, despite all the anticipation around Joker: Folie à Deux, this Todd Phillips’ film sank faster than a lead balloon. But even worse, Phillips' take on the Joker seems to be falling flatter than a deflated balloon, leaving fans voicing their frustrations loud and clear.

Joker: Folie à Deux was all set to strut in and snatch the crown that its predecessor once wore, but instead, it did a complete 180! Todd Phillips recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly, revealing a jaw-dropping take on the true identity of the Joker. According to Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck was never Joker but always Fleck. “He's never been this thing that’s been put upon him, this idea that Gotham people put on him, that he represents”, Phillips shared, reflecting on how the Joker was actually yearning to break free from that label and just be himself.

The director did not hold back when he admitted nobody really cared about Arthur. He pointed out that Lee never even says his real name in the film until she leaves him on those very steps where he famously danced in the first movie. Todd Phillips’ revelations hit hard during the film’s intense climax, where Arthur meets a bloody fate after a knife is plunged into his stomach. Behind him, the true Joker emerges, as a young man cuts a gruesome grin into his cheeks.

Todd Phillips Assures ‘Joker: Folie á Deux’ Musical Chapter Stays True to Original Essence

Even though Phillips insists that this is not just a figment of imagination but the cold, hard truth, if one were to ask the fans for their two cents, they are definitely not buying the story.

Todd Phillips might be waving goodbye to the DCU after Joker and Joker: Folie à Deux, but before he exits, his take on the fan-favorite villain has landed a bigger punch than any flop. Despite the critics and reviews being brutally harsh, his recent confessions only fueled the fire, turning fans even more cynical. They have been taking jabs at the director for trying to erase what the Joker has been—and what he might become.

Many fans are scratching their heads, wondering why Phillips would name the film Joker if he does not believe in the character himself.

Others have been a bit more brutal, claiming that the first film’s success was just a happy accident while Joker: Folie à Deux reveals the whole messy truth. Sure, there might be some truth to Phillips’ vision, but the timing and his slip-ups did not sit well with fans. With the box office already giving him the cold shoulder, Phillips has joined the ranks of fans, giving him the frosty treatment, too!

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What do you think of Todd Phillips' idea of the Joker in Folie à Deux? Let us know in the comments below!