Todd Phillips reveals Joker's obsession with Batman
- Arthur Fleck, the Joker, is depicted as a troubled individual in 1980s Gotham.
- Todd Phillips suggests that Arthur would admire Batman, viewing him as a confident figure.
- The upcoming film Joker: Folie à Deux may delve deeper into the complex relationship between Arthur and Batman.
In Todd Phillips' interpretation of the Joker, the character Arthur Fleck is depicted as a troubled individual living in 1980s Gotham, who becomes fascinated with the idea of Batman. Phillips suggests that if Arthur were to encounter Batman as an adult, he would likely admire him, viewing him as an 'alpha male.' This admiration stems from Arthur's own insecurities and his fascination with confident men, which includes figures like his coworkers and the talk show host Murray Franklin. The dynamic between Arthur and Batman is complex, especially considering Arthur's violent actions in the past, including the murder of Murray on live television. Despite this, Phillips hints at a potential for admiration that could transcend their dark history. The upcoming film, Joker: Folie à Deux, is set to explore these themes further when it hits theaters on October 4, 2024, although it remains uncertain how Warner Bros. will address the deeper subtext of the relationship between the Joker and Batman.