As a dedicated movie fan, you've probably experienced the frustration of stumbling upon major spoilers before watching a highly anticipated film. This time, the unfortunate culprit seems to be none other than trade heavyweights Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, who have reportedly spoiled Todd Phillips' much-anticipated sequel Joker: Folie à Deux.
Let's rewind. For those who've been waiting to see how Arthur Fleck's chaotic story unfolds, the latest leaks might leave you torn. According to The Wrap, the sequel picks up two years after the events of the original film, with Arthur (played by Joaquin Phoenix) awaiting a competency hearing that will determine whether he's mentally fit to stand trial for his crimes. If found sane, Arthur faces the death penalty, but his lawyer, Maryanne Stewart (played by Catherine Keener), argues that it was a separate personality, the Joker, responsible for the chaos.
While that sounds like an intriguing setup, Variety's review goes a step further, practically revealing the entire plot. It details how Arthur wastes away in Arkham State Hospital, finds solace in a new character named Lee (portrayed by Lady Gaga), and eventually sets off a fateful bomb during his trial. The plot culminates in Arthur's tragic end—confirming that there will likely be no Joker 3, as Phillips himself hinted.
To make matters worse, THR drops another bombshell by suggesting that the film erases a key comic book nemesis, reducing him to a “sad, broken man.” For fans of the comic book world, this twist could spark heated debates.
Is this a spoiler gone too far? Some might argue that revealing the core conflict and climax diminishes the thrill of experiencing these pivotal moments firsthand. Others may appreciate knowing the tone and direction of Folie à Deux before heading into the theater. Either way, it's a reminder of how tricky the balance between teasing and spoiling can be.
With Joker: Folie à Deux slated for release on October 4, 2024, fans will soon find out whether the film lives up to the chaos hinted at—or if it will surprise us all despite the leaks.
