Joker Director Shares New Photos of Joaquin Phoenix's Talk Show Entrance

Joker director Todd Phillips shares behind-the-scenes photos of Joaquin Phoenix's iconic entrance onto the Murray Franklin show.

By Tom Drew Posted:
Overhead of Joker holding a gun, close up of Joaquin Phoenix as Joker

DC's film Joker set the world on fire last year, being positively received by critics and audiences and breaking records by being the first R-rated film to break a billion dollars at the box office. The film was even nominated for several Academy Award nominations, notably winning Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix and Best Score. Because of this success, many have wondered whether this warranted a sequel for the film.

Rumors floated that a sequel was in development at Warner Bros. late last year, but director Todd Phillips clarified that this was not the case . In the meantime, Phillips has not been shy about sharing photos from Joker 's production, such as behind-the-scenes images of Joaquin Phoenix dancing down the stairway .

The director has taken to social media again, posting photos from the finale of the film...

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Joker director Todd Phillips shared several behind-the scenes photos to his Instagram , providing production stills from Joker's entrance onto the Murray Franklin show.

Joaquin Phoenix as Joker backstage dancing

Several cameras capture Joker dancing as he approaches the curtain entrance to the Murray Franklin show.

Joaquin Phoenix as Joker backstage with two crew members

A wide shot of showing how one of Joker's most iconic close-ups of the character with a smoking cigarette was achieved. Several glide tracks line the floor to allow for smooth camera movement, and colorful lighting permeates the set.

Joaquin Phoenix as Joker dancing behind curtains

Another shot of Joker dancing as the curtains open to allow his grand entrance.

Joaquin Phoenix as Joker emerging from backstage curtains

Joker emerges from backstage, just prior to his opening set of jokes.

Joaquin Phoenix as Joker prior to shooting Murray

Joaquin Phoenix points a loaded gun towards Robert DeNiro's Murray Franklin, just before he gets what he deserves.

These new photos provide both new looks at a now iconic scene and interesting views of how this sequence was constructed. Joker was praised for its visuals, and these images reflect how the production design and lighting on set contributed greatly to how the film looks on-camera. The photos truly reflect the coldness that Arthur Fleck feels internally, only to juxtapose this with an, at first, jovial exterior when he emerges onto the Murray Franklin Show.

Although nothing has been confirmed about a sequel being in development, Todd Phillips showing a continued interest in the film could point to him being up for returning for a sequel.

- About The Author: Tom Drew
Tom Drew is the Executive Editor at The Direct. Tom writes for The Direct's Marvel, Star Wars, and DC branches while specializing in all things movies, from blockbuster to indie darlings.