The Joker has always been a very popular character for DC, even having starred in his own film. With the announcement of Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, fans have been wondering what will be the next movie for the Clown Prince of Crime and what role he will play in the new continuity.
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn recently sparked rumors that Joker will be making a return to the DC Universe. Last Friday, the director gave a history lesson about the origins of DC’s most recognizable villain.
“Conrad Veidt in Paul Leni’s The Man Who Laughs (1928), based on Victor Hugo’s novel,” Gunn tweeted. “The film was a silent romantic melodrama – Veidt’s character was the hero; the smile was carved into his face as a boy by a Comprachico (a fictional group of people who reshaped the physical appearance of children like a pruner would a Bonsai tree). Bill Finger, Kane & Jerry Robinson couldn’t agree on much but they all agreed Veidt’s portrayal was the inspiration for the Joker in the comics.”
Conrad Veidt in Paul Leni’s “The Man Who Laughs” (1928), based on Victor Hugo’s novel. The film was a silent romantic melodrama – Veidt’s character was the hero; the smile was carved into his face as a boy by a Comprachico (a fictional group of people who reshaped the physical… pic.twitter.com/uc58cOO3nq
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 12, 2023
The Man Who Laughs was a huge inspiration for the creation of Joker. Conrad Veidt’s iconic look was the basis for the Clown Prince of Crime’s appearance. Fans started speculating that Gunn was teasing the return of the Joker in the DC Universe. Twitter user @One_WhoLaughs theorized that Gunn was hinting at The Batman Who Laughs story arc from the Dark Multiverse.
Gunn hasn’t confirmed that Joker will be making a return in Chapter 1. We do know that the Clown Prince of Crime is coming back for a second solo movie in Joker: Folie a Deux. Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix will be reprising his role as Arthur Fleck aka Joker in the upcoming film. However, the upcoming movie will be part of DC Elseworlds, meaning it isn’t part of the shared cinematic universe.
One project where the Joker may make an appearance is in The Brave and the Bold, the first DC Universe movie for Batman and Robin. Gunn has confirmed that Bruce Wayne and his son Damian will be central to the movie.
“This is the introduction of the DCU’s Batman…” Gunn explained in January. “This is the story of Damian Wayne, who is Batman’s actual son who we didn’t know existed for the first eight to 10 years of his life. He was raised as a little murderer and assassin. He’s a little son of a bitch. He’s my favorite Robin. It’s based on the Grant Morrison comic book’s run, which is one of my favorite Batman runs, and we are putting that all together right now.”
Joker: Folie a Deux is coming to theaters on October 4, 2024.
