In a surprising twist surrounding “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the much-anticipated sequel to 2019’s “Joker,” there’s talk about a notable cut cameo featuring actor Justin Theroux as the infamous Arthur Fleck. As the film struggles to replicate the staggering box office success of its predecessor, with predictions indicating it might earn a fraction of that figure, another element has come to light: the absence of Theroux, a talented star known for his outstanding work in productions like “The Leftovers” and “Mulholland Drive.”
Theroux made a brief appearance in the original “Joker,” playing the character Ethan Chase, the actor Arthur watches on television during Murray Franklin’s talk show. While it’s unlikely that Theroux could single-handedly push a “Joker” film to the billion-dollar mark, his presence often enhances the viewing experience. Director Todd Phillips had planned for Theroux to make a return in “Folie à Deux,” with a cameo in a fictional trailer for a film centered on the Joker’s actions in the initial installment.
In an interview with IGN, Phillips reflected on this missed opportunity, stating, “I talked to Justin about it. We were going to shoot a trailer at one point. We just ran out of time.” This revelation stings, particularly since fans were led to believe by Theroux’s Instagram hints that he would be back for the sequel. The idea of Theroux portraying an actor imitating Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker was one that held promise for injecting some humor and critique into the otherwise heavy film.
Moreover, the cut scene could have created a unique chance to poke fun at Hollywood’s tendency to sensationalize real-life tragedies. The story of the first film has all the makings of a grim yet exploitative true crime feature, and it could have provided a rich avenue for satire. This tactic recalls the approach taken by the “Scream” series, where the disturbing events of the original film are reimagined in a fictional movie titled “Stab.” Throughout “Scream 2,” we see glimpses of how the horrifying first installment might have played out if crafted by a less skilled writer and performed by subpar actors, offering a dose of comedic relief.
Given that “Scream 2” is often seen as the bleakest entry in its franchise, the humor gleaned from these scenes serves as a necessary counterbalance. This kind of levity seems desperately needed in the relentlessly dark and arduous “Joker” sequel. While it’s doubtful that this cameo alone could redeem “Folie à Deux” from its unfavorable reviews, it’s hard to argue that including Theroux wouldn’t have added a layer of enjoyment to the overlong 138-minute runtime.
