Joaquin Phoenix’s Weight Loss for ‘Joker’

Many actors have gone to extreme lengths to embody their version of the Clown Prince of Crime. Joaquin Phoenix, who played Arthur turned murderer was no different. 

Many thought the psychological thriller “Joker” was a stand-alone film, and some have argued it should stay that way. However, writer and director Todd Phillips recently announced a sequel to the cinematic masterpiece “Joker.” 

Phillips publicized this information to an excited crowd on his Instagram page. He included a picture of the sequel’s script cover and a photo of Golden-Globe winner Phoenix reading it.

Joaquin Phoenix accepting an award for ‘Joker’ at the Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images

The script’s title reads, “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The term “Folie à Deux” speaks to more than one person, usually related, suffering from the same mental disorder. Austen Goslin from Polygon thinks this phrase is a clue to the upcoming plot. He wrote: 

“Based on the plot of the first movie, and that Thomas Wayne could be Joker’s real father, it’s entirely possible that this movie could introduce Batman and connect him to the Joker with the Folie à Deux idea, suggesting a connection that’s even more than familial.”

Other than that, there are no more hints of what’s to come. So, we will have to wait in anticipation, wondering what gem is to come and just how far Phoenix will go on his second-round.

JOAQUIN PHEONIX’S WEIGHT LOSS FOR “JOKER”

The Joker is a once-in-a-lifetime yet highly challenging character for any actor to portray. And so, like most of us, Phoenix felt torn about the killer clown, expressing: 

“I had really complicated feelings toward the character when I read the script and started preparing for it. But I like that. I like that it challenged me.” 

He also stated that the complex nature of Arthur and the film itself were demanding, saying that there was an uneasiness within the story. 

Beyond his mental preparation, there was the journey the “Gladiator” had to go through to lose 52 pounds before filming.

While there were rumors that he only ate an apple once a day, the actor responded to these speculations, stating that he also had green beans and lettuce. Phoenix, however, wasn’t reckless about his weight loss.

He made sure to consult a medical professional on his journey towards transforming into the emaciated Joker. He explained that this wasn’t his first rodeo when it came to changing his body for a role. 

JOAQUIN PHEONIX AND ROONEY MARA’S RELATIONSHIP

When Phoenix is not putting his all into acting, the 47-year-old spends time with his partner and fellow performer Rooney Mara, who he met while playing in the 2012 movie “Her.”

In this film, she played his ex-wife, while Scarlett Johansson was the voice of a form of Artificial intelligence that Phoenix’s character fell in love with.

The couple are outspoken on many issues, such as animal rights. They once attended a fossil fuel protest in February 2020 organized by Jane Fonda.

Revealing their romance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017, Phoenix and Mara reportedly got engaged in 2019 and eventually revealed they were married in 2022. 

They have a son named River, who was born in September 2020. He was named after Phoenix’s late brother River Phoenix.

JOAQUIN PHEONIX’S FAMILY ROOTS

Phoenix and River were born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to John Bottom and Arlyn Dunetz. His mother and father used to be part of “The Children of God” cult but left in the late 1970s.  

Their children, Phoenix and his brother, began their careers together — River was only four when he started performing.

They played together in the movie “Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia.” Tragically his sibling, who was only 23 years old, passed away on October 31, 1993, because of an overdose. 

It seems then that acting runs through Phoenix’s veins. Not only that, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to portray his characters in the best way possible.

Many may resist watching a sequel to what they fear may tarnish the original. But, with the depth of Phoenix’s natural talent and commitment, one can put some faith in the upcoming film — or ask themselves if they want to hear another joke. 

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