Joaquin Phoenix Faces Press at ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Venice Conference After Extended Silence

Renowned actor Joaquin Phoenix is not known for his eagerness to engage with the media. At 49 years old, the Oscar-winning actor is known for granting limited interviews and showing reluctance in discussing his process. His media interactions are often marked by tension, as seen during the Venice news conference for "Joker: Folie à Deux," a sequel to the 2019 hit.

Concerns over Phoenix's Media Engagement

Given his track record of avoiding media interactions, it was expected that the Venice news conference for "Joker: Folie à Deux" would be fraught with tension. This concern was exacerbated by the fact that Phoenix had not engaged in any press activities since August, following his withdrawal from a film directed by Todd Haynes just days before shooting was set to commence.

Phoenix's withdrawal from the film had sparked a flurry of speculation in Hollywood, as the project in question was a sexually explicit gay romance co-starring "Top Gun: Maverick" actor Danny Ramirez. The project, based on an original idea by Phoenix, had reportedly undergone significant development with the actor's involvement. As such, it was anticipated that the news conference would shed light on the actor's motivations behind the sudden withdrawal from the project.

Phoenix's Unexpected Openness

Contrary to expectations, Phoenix made a surprising entrance at the conference, exhibiting an upbeat demeanor and a willingness to engage with the press. This unexpected openness persisted until a journalist broached the subject of his withdrawal from the Haynes film. Phoenix's initial willingness to address the matter was met with a pause as he deliberated on the potential implications of sharing his perspective.

While acknowledging the collaborative nature of the project, Phoenix expressed reservations about sharing his viewpoint in the absence of the other creative contributors. He articulated his belief that such disclosure would not be helpful and declined to delve into the matter further. This interaction underscores the delicate balance Phoenix seeks to maintain between transparency and respect for the collaborative nature of his artistic endeavors.

In light of reports suggesting that Phoenix is prone to second-guessing his commitments, including his initial reluctance to participate in the first "Joker" film, director Todd Phillips referenced the challenges of persuading the actor to reprise his role in a sequel. Phillips emphasized the necessity for the sequel to induce the same level of trepidation in Phoenix as the inaugural installment had.

The director's own apprehensions ahead of presenting "Folie à Deux" at Venice were also evident, particularly in light of the first film's receipt of the festival's prestigious Golden Lion. Phillips's comments highlight the inherent pressures and uncertainties associated with following up a critically acclaimed and commercially successful predecessor.