Filmmaker Kevin Smith has confirmed that last year’s critically acclaimed film Joker, had a dark and shocking alternate ending planned that wasn’t used. He revealed this information in a Fatman Beyond podcast as reported by The Independent.
Towards the climax of the film’s official version, Arthur Flecke/Joker (played by Joaquin Phoenix) follows and kills Thomas and Martha Wayne, leaving their son Bruce Wayne, who then goes on to become the caped crusader Batman, in the comics. In the alternate ending, Arthur kills Bruce as well.
“Originally, the ending in the hospital was different. He’s in the hospital and he laughs, chuckles, and he says, ‘I was just thinking of something funny’. What was supposed to happen was you flashed back to the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, and it was him (Joker) killing Thomas and Martha Wayne and the boy was screaming and crying and he turned to walk away and he turned back, shrugged, and shot the kid. Credits,” Smith said.
The Clerks director said he was told about the ending by someone “who works in the business” and called it “reliable information”. He said: “It was too f***ing good not to share and I f***ing hope it’s true.”
Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, was released last year and received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Joaquin’s performance. It is also the highest grossing R-rated film of all time. However, the film’s depiction of violence and mental health has polarized some viewers.