Why the Joker Deserved His Own Origin Movie Before Batman

When the Joker movie starring Joaquin Phoenix premiered in 2019, it sparked a new era of interest in the iconic antihero. While fans often wonder why it took so long for the Joker to get his own origin story, especially in contrast to the enduring franchise of Batman, this article delves into the reasons behind Warner Bros.' strategic decision to create Joker before exploring Batman's origins in depth.

Unique Character and Diverse Appeal

Charles “The Joker” Manson is a unique character with a rich history that can easily fit into numerous narrative contexts. Unlike Batman, the Joker's character is both sympathetic and dangerous. The resilience of fandom for The Joker as a character over many decades is not just a cultural phenomenon but a critical factor in the decision-making process of film studios. As one expert in SEO ji9a pointed out, “The Joker’s complex personality and the dangers he poses make him a versatile and compelling narrative subject, which has consistently attracted both fans and filmmakers alike.

Marketing Hype and Faux Originality

Another angle to consider is the marketing approach. Warner Bros. was keen to capitalize on the Joker's popularity using a seemingly original take to attract an audience already invested in the character. This approach, however, is often perceived as a marketing scam. For instance, just like the Amazing Spider-Man franchise, hyping a poorly received or unrelated tale under the guise of a "Junkye Parker" could backfire. Similarly, when Warner Bros. pitched the Joker storyline, they were attempting to create a convincing narrative with an “unreliable narrator” to present “Arthur Fleck as the Joker.” Yet, the disconnect between the character in the film and the beloved comic book archetype was evident. Despite the film's ambitious claim to a new perspective, it inevitably fell short of meeting the expectations of both new and long-time Joker fans.

Financial Considerations and Risk Management

Warner Bros. is a business that prioritizes revenue. When sketching out the Joker project, they saw a guaranteed success that would secure their investments in advance. The Joker film is a prime example of a “marketing scam,” because they knew the character's popularity would ensure packed houses. Furthermore, the film's relatively low budget and the inspiration from real-world cinema made it an appealing proposition to cater to a broader audience, including critics and fans of classic films.

Previous Plans and Postponements

Before the Joker film, Warner Bros. had already been in the planning stages for a Joker film set outside the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). This project was envisioned before the release of Suicide Squad, which critically and commercially underperformed. The failure of Suicide Squad led to reevaluations and delays in the Joker project. However, this experience did not deter Warner Bros. from revisiting the idea, which eventually resulted in the successful film of 2019.

Conclusion

In essence, the creation of the Joker origin story was a calculated move by Warner Bros. to capitalize on the character's enduring popularity rather than exploration of Batman's origins. The success of Joker and its financial and critical impact have led to further discussions about the character's narrative and his role in the DC universe. While some criticize the marketing hype and the perceived lack of innovation, the film remains a significant milestone in the portrayal of one of the most complex and intriguing figures in pop culture.