The Joker film, back in 2019, completely changed the origi🤪n story of the original Joker to a much more s𓄧ympathetic character who is more a product of his society andಞ the hardships he has faced rather than general madness. The iconic Batman villain played by Joaquin Phoenix was a fresh perspective on the Joker’s traits and personality and with the success of the first movie came another.

Joker: Folie à Deux builds upon the first movie but also deviates from the character in a major fashion, with a mixed response to its ending and plot. The ending was something that viewers were not expectin💜g and, given its implications, deserves explanation.

Joker 2’s Ending Explained

Throughout the film, Arthur Fleck's internal battle between his Joker persona and his real self intensifies, fueled by his relationship with Lady Gaga's character, Lee Quinzel. By the film’s conclusion, Arthur is just going through one tragedy after another.

In a pivotal moment, Arthur seems to reject his Joker identity and faces punishment for his actions. He briefly escapes the courtroom when chaos erupts after the Joker fanatics bomb the courthouse, freeing Arthur.

He isn’t free for long though and soon finds himself back in Arkham, where he is first assaulted by a guard off-screen and then Lee no longer wants anything to do with him after he gives up the Joker persona.

The film delivers its final twist when Arthur is stabbed by a young inmate (possibly a younger version of Heath Ledger’s Joker) who idolized him but is disappointed with his actions in the courtroom.

The ending possibly implies that the Joker persona can never truly die, as society’s obsession with the character continues.

Is The Joker 2 Connected To The Dark Knight?

Todd Phillips’ Joker films, starring Joaquin Phoenix, are set in a standalone universe that focuses on a realis🌟tic, psychological dꦫepiction of the Joker's origin.

Phillips has emphasized that his version of the Joker is a grounded, character-driven narrative that is far from the superhero stories typical of DC films.

At the same time, Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy takes place in a more comic book-inspired superhero universe, with Heath Ledger's Joker as an established villain in Gotham, without a detailed backstory or origin.

Some elements in Folie à Deux's ending, such as the inmate who kills Arthur Fleck, have sparked theories among fans. This inmate's 𓂃actions are reminisc♒ent of Heath Ledger’s Joker, which has led to speculation that the films might be subtly connected, but this appears to be more of an intentional Easter egg or homage rather than an actual narrative link​.

While fans may draw parallels between Phoenix and Ledger's performances, both Jokers inhabit separate cinematic worlds. Phillips' films focus more on psychological deterioration and the consequences of a flawed society, whereas Nolan's trilogy centers around a more comic-accurate retelling of Batman and the Joker.

Ultimately, Joker 2 stands apart from The Dark Knight universe, and the character that killed Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is inspired by Heath Ledger’s Joker portrayal rather than being a younger version that fans have speculated him to be.