The ending of Joker 2, or Folie à Deux, is less of a definitive conclusion and more of a rebirth for the character of the Joker. Yes, Arthur Fleck is dead, but that doesn’t mean the Joker’s story ends there. Let’s dive into what really happened at the end of the film and what it means for the future of the Joker.
Throughout the film, Arthur and Joker are portrayed as potentially different people, and by the time we reach the finale, director Todd Phillips makes it clear that this is a film with an anti-incel message. Phillips does not want people to idolize the Joker, as the Joker is not someone who should be idolized. This is the core theme of the film, and while it is effective to a degree, there are areas where it falls short.
In the closing moments of the film, we see Lee pushing Arthur to become the Joker she fell in love with. However, Arthur reveals that this version of the Joker was just a fantasy, and he is the one who committed the murders. Lee is devastated by this revelation, as the Joker she idolized was never real. She storms out of the courtroom, along with other supporters who had been idolizing Joker and praising his actions. They come to realize that this image of the Joker was a facade.
When the verdict is reached, a bomb goes off, and Arthur is freed by two of his loyal followers. He reunites with Lee and begs her to run away with him, insisting that he never wanted this life. He explains that he is not the character the public idolizes. Lee, however, rejects him. The fantasy of who he was is shattered for her, and she is heartbroken. Arthur, realizing the damage he has done, decides to turn himself in, acknowledging that he may have led people down the wrong path.
Once in custody again, a young inmate named Ricky approaches Arthur. He tells Arthur a joke and says, You get what you deserve, before repeatedly stabbing him. As Arthur is attacked, he begins to laugh uncontrollably, resembling the image of a complete lunatic. He then takes the knife and performs a self-inflicted gesture reminiscent of Heath Ledger’s Joker.
There is a lot of social commentary to unpack here. Though not explicitly stated, it seems as if Ricky, Lee, and the other followers who left the courthouse have taken on the mantle of the Joker. They are determined to uphold the version of the Joker they perceive as a hero. Todd Phillips seems to be making a statement against the notion that the Joker is a hero, clearly addressing those who view the character as a figure to idolize.
The ending leaves room for interpretation and suggests that this may not be the end of the Joker’s story. There might not be a Joker 3, but there could be new versions of the Joker or even a character like Lee Quinn in the future.
The Joker as a Symbol of Chaos
One of the key aspects of the Joker’s character is that he is more than just a person—he is a symbol of chaos. In Joker 2, this theme is explored deeply as Arthur’s death does not end the influence of the Joker. Instead, it inspires others to take up the mantle. The film suggests that the Joker is an idea that can be reborn in anyone, emphasizing the allure of chaos and rebellion. This concept ties back to the social commentary in the film, which challenges viewers to question why such a destructive figure is idolized.
Todd Phillips wants the audience to understand that the Joker should not be glorified. Throughout the movie, we see how dangerous it is when people start to view Arthur as a hero. His actions, which are violent and driven by delusion, are taken as symbols of resistance by those who feel disenfranchised. By the end, the Joker becomes a movement rather than just one individual, which is perhaps even more dangerous.
Lee’s Relationship with Arthur
Lee’s relationship with Arthur is one of the most complex dynamics in the film. At first, she is deeply in love with the Joker persona—the man who stands against the system and who appears to be fearless. However, the reality of Arthur’s true self is much different. When Arthur reveals that the Joker she fell in love with was just a fantasy, Lee is devastated. This moment is pivotal as it represents the shattering of illusions, not just for Lee but for everyone who idolized the Joker.
Lee’s rejection of Arthur after his confession is symbolic. It shows that once the facade is broken, the reality is much less appealing. Arthur is not the hero she imagined—he is flawed, dangerous, and ultimately, a man who has lost control of his life. This rejection is what pushes Arthur to turn himself in, as he realizes that he has misled people, including those closest to him.
The Rebirth of the Joker
The final scene, where Ricky stabs Arthur, is crucial in understanding the rebirth of the Joker. Arthur’s laughter during the attack is not just a reaction to pain; it is a manifestation of the chaos he embodies. Ricky’s actions and the subsequent laughter symbolize the continuation of the Joker’s influence. Arthur may die, but the Joker lives on through those he has inspired.
This ending raises questions about the nature of influence and the power of ideas. The Joker is no longer just Arthur Fleck; he is a concept that transcends one person. This is a powerful commentary on how dangerous ideologies can spread, especially when people are desperate for change and are willing to follow anyone who appears to challenge the status quo.
Social Commentary and the Anti-Incel Message
Joker 2 carries a strong social message, particularly against the glorification of violent and chaotic figures. Todd Phillips uses the character of Arthur Fleck to demonstrate the dangers of idolizing individuals who are not heroes but are instead deeply flawed and destructive. The film’s anti-incel message is clear: the Joker is not someone to be admired, and the consequences of such idolization can be catastrophic.
Phillips also delves into the psychology of those who follow the Joker. Many of them are portrayed as people who feel left behind by society—those who are struggling and see the Joker as a symbol of resistance. However, the film makes it clear that this kind of resistance is not the answer. Arthur’s journey is one of delusion and violence, and the people who follow him are misguided. By the end of the film, it is evident that the Joker’s influence is dangerous, and those who idolize him are on a destructive path.
The Future of the Joker Franchise
The open-ended conclusion of Joker 2 suggests that there is potential for future stories within this universe. While there may not be a direct sequel like Joker 3, the idea of the Joker can continue through different characters. Lee, for instance, could take on a new persona, or the movement inspired by the Joker could give rise to a new figure who embodies similar chaos and rebellion.
The idea of Lee Quinn hints at the possibility of exploring new characters who are influenced by the Joker’s legacy. This opens up opportunities for further exploration of how the Joker’s ideology affects different people and how the symbol of the Joker evolves over time. It also allows for a deeper exploration of the consequences of idolizing such a destructive figure.
The ending of Joker 2 is not just about the death of Arthur Fleck; it is about the rebirth of the Joker as an idea. Todd Phillips uses this ending to caution viewers against the dangers of idolizing chaotic and violent figures. The Joker is not a hero, and his influence is ultimately harmful. The film’s message is clear: the Joker is a symbol of chaos, and those who follow him are on a dangerous path.