By Frank Lucasale 
Joker: Folie à Deux was one of the most anticipated films of 2024. Following the massive success of the first Joker movie, fans had high expectations for its sequel. However, the movie’s unexpected ending led to disappointment and even anger among certain fan groups. In this blog, we explore what happened at the end of Joker 2 and why it left fans so divided.
The Controversial Ending of Joker: Folie à Deux
Without diving into full spoilers, the ending of Joker 2 defied traditional cinematic conventions. Many expected the film to build on Arthur Fleck’s rise into the iconic Joker persona, but the sequel took a more ambiguous and psychological route. Rather than giving a definitive answer on whether Arthur fully embraces his Joker identity or if the events of the movie even happened, the film ended on a note that left many fans scratching their heads.
This ambiguity, while artistic, didn’t sit well with a large portion of the audience. The ending left viewers with more questions than answers, and this uncertainty became the main point of contention.
Why Fans Were Upset
- Expectations vs. Reality: Many fans went into the theater expecting Joker 2 to continue Arthur’s evolution into a full-fledged villain. However, the movie leaned heavily into psychological exploration, blurring the lines between reality and Arthur’s delusions. Some felt misled, expecting more of the anarchic chaos that defined the first movie’s climax.
- Pacing and Tone: While the first Joker balanced Arthur’s descent into madness with moments of intense action and social commentary, Joker 2 focused on his internal world. The shift in tone left viewers feeling as though the film had meandered into philosophical territory, abandoning the thriller-like suspense that characterized the first.
- Unanswered Questions: Rather than providing closure, Joker 2 ended with an open-ended question that could be interpreted in various ways. Fans who invested two films into Arthur Fleck’s journey were left feeling unsatisfied, particularly because they expected a more definitive conclusion to his arc.
Director’s Vision vs. Audience Expectations
Director Todd Phillips made it clear from the start that Joker 2 was intended as a character study and not a typical comic book movie. In many ways, the film mirrors the artistic risks taken in Joker (2019), which redefined what a comic book villain movie could be.
However, this vision clashed with the expectations of fans who were looking for more action and clear resolutions. Phillips, along with co-star Lady Gaga, who plays a central role in Arthur’s descent, embraced the film’s surreal and musical aspects, making Joker 2 an experience that transcended typical genre boundaries. This divergence in vision led to a rift between what audiences wanted and what the filmmakers delivered.
The Role of Social Commentary
Like its predecessor, Joker: Folie à Deux deals with themes of mental illness, isolation, and societal neglect. However, the movie also introduces new themes around shared delusions and the complexities of fame and madness, especially in the relationship between Arthur and Lady Gaga’s character.
Some fans felt that these themes, while relevant, overshadowed the core narrative of the Joker’s evolution. Others, however, appreciated the film’s deeper exploration of Arthur’s psyche, even if it meant sacrificing traditional storytelling for a more fragmented and psychological approach.
Was Fan Anger Justified?
The frustration many fans felt with Joker 2 is understandable. After all, they were promised a thrilling continuation of Arthur Fleck’s journey, but were instead given a more introspective, and at times, confusing story. Yet, from a creative standpoint, the choices made by Phillips and the team reflect a bold step toward challenging conventional cinema.
Whether or not you agree with the ending, Joker 2 certainly succeeded in getting people talking. Art, by nature, is meant to provoke, and Joker: Folie à Deux did exactly that — sparking debates, discussions, and, yes, anger.
Final Thoughts
Joker 2 was always going to be a difficult sequel to pull off, considering the massive expectations from fans of the original. While the ending might have disappointed some, it also reinforced the idea that the Joker’s story is far from straightforward. Whether we’ll see more of Arthur Fleck in the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the conversations around Joker 2 are just beginning.