Joaquin Phoenix Steps Back Into Spotlight With Sequel Release and New Film Role
So, there’s been a lot of buzz around Joaquin Phoenix lately, and for good reason. Two very different but equally interesting projects connected to him have been making headlines, and together they really show the range of his influence in the film world right now. On one side, we have the much-talked-about Joker sequel finally landing on a major streaming service, and on the other, Phoenix and Rooney Mara are stepping into a more behind-the-scenes role to support powerful independent cinema.
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First up is Joker: Folie à Deux , the follow-up to the Oscar-winning Joker from 2019. Joaquin Phoenix returned to the role that earned him his Academy Award, this time starring alongside Lady Gaga. The film prompted a lot of chatter when it premiered in theatres on October 4, 2025 — though not for the reasons many expected. With a massive budget approaching $200 million, the movie ended up earning just over $207 million globally, which essentially placed it in box-office-struggle territory. Critics weren’t particularly kind either, and the film eventually found itself nominated for multiple Golden Raspberry Awards, winning two of them.
Because of the mixed reactions, many people skipped the theatrical run and waited for it to hit streaming. After showing up on Max last year, it’s now headed to Prime Video on December 16, 2025. That means anyone who didn’t catch it earlier — or doesn’t have a Max subscription — will have a chance to watch it now. And even though the film didn’t live up to the massive success of the first, it definitely attempted something bold. The sequel leaned into a musical style, blending the gritty DC world with a genre not usually associated with comic book characters. The story once again follows Arthur Fleck, who is seen wrestling with his fractured identity while discovering love and music inside Arkham State Hospital.
But Joaquin Phoenix’s recent news isn’t just about big-budget studio work. Alongside Rooney Mara, he has also signed on as an executive producer for the Palestinian short film I’m Glad You’re Dead Now . This 13-minute drama, directed by and starring Tawfeek Barhom, has already made waves after winning the Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes. Phoenix and Mara described the film’s themes — memory, trauma, reconciliation — as urgent and deeply resonant, and they’ve committed to helping it reach wider audiences through festival appearances and press support.
The film recently had a celebrated screening at the Ajyal Film Festival in Doha, marking an important moment for its regional debut. With Phoenix and Mara backing it, the short is expected to gain even more momentum on the international circuit.
So whether it’s stepping back into one of his most iconic roles or using his platform to uplift important global stories, Joaquin Phoenix is once again positioned right at the center of meaningful cinematic conversations.
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