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Joaquin Phoenix is slated to reprise his Oscar-winning role of Arthur Fleck / the Joker in the upcomingJoker 2. However, the film is likely to face some obstacles, especially when it comes to recognition at major award events despite its predecessors’ critical and commercial success. Moreover, Phoenix might be the one to blame forJoker 2‘s mistreatment.
According to reports, the actor’s abrupt exit from an upcoming gay romance film, directed by Todd Haynes did not sit well with several members of the producing community. Therefore, it is likely thatJoker 2will bear the brunt of Phoenix’s last-moment change of mind when it inevitably enters contention for the Oscars. Here is whyJoker 2might get snubbed at the Oscars.
Joaquin Phoenix Backed Away From Todd Haynes’ Gay Romance Film
In September 2023,Joaquin Phoenixwas announced to be working on a gay romance movie, with director Todd Haynes. The film was said to be a period piece set in Los Angeles in the 1930s, with Phoenix co-writing the script with Haynes. The actor also pushed for more explicit content in the movie.
However, Phoenixreportedlygot cold feet about the project,backing out of the movie five days before filmingstarted. As a result, the project was scrapped while sets had already been built and the crew was hard at work to start filming.
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According to a new report fromInTouchWeekly, Phoenix could face the brunt of his decision with his upcoming film,Joker 2. A source close to the publication revealed that the producing community was unhappy with Phoenix for backing out of the Haynes-directed movie at the last minute.
(Because Joaquin has) angered the producing community so much with this exit people are saying he’s effectively out of the Oscar race.
The source made the above statement, highlighting how the producing community’s backing is crucial in the Oscar race, along with critical acclaim and box office success. As a result, even ifJoker 2is a critical and commercial success, Phoenix’s performance will likely be neglected from Oscar contention.
Joker 2Could Suffer an Ugly Outcome If Joaquin Phoenix Doesn’t Rectify the Situation
As the report suggests, Phoenix’s decision to back out of Haynes’ movie, could have dire consequences forJoker 2. He won the Best Actor Academy Award for his performance in the first movie, whichgrossed$1.079 billion at the box office.
However,Joker: Folie à Deux, co-starring Lady Gaga, is already a risk considering its musical elements and mixed early reactions. Moreover, with Phoenix’s reputation taking a hit, the film might be ignored by the Academy andeven fail to succeed at the box office.
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The insider claimed that sources close to Phoenix believe the actor will soon rectify the situation. Phoenix’s exitreportedlycaused losses that could end up exceeding seven figures. As a result, the actor has been urged to make up for the losses.
Key people in Hollywood are urging him to make a financial settlement with the crew members that were hired for the film.
However, the report also claimed that Phoenix has yet to act on the advice and hasn’t taken any steps to reach a financial settlement. Moreover, the actor alsorefusedto speak about backing out of the movie at the Venice Film Festival. As a result, Phoenix’s damaged reputation could prove to be an insurmountable obstacle forJoker 2.
Joker 2is slated to release on August 17, 2025.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1772
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
