Last Updated: November 23, 2019

Todd Phillips’ Joker introduces Joaquin Phoenix as Gotham City’s Clown Prince of Crime, but does the gritty DC movie have an after-credits scene? Warner Bros. and DC Films’ Joker is envisioned as a very different kind of movie based on comic book characters, not the least of which because it centers on a villain. Phoenix stars in Joker as Arthur Fleck, an aspiring stand-up comedian in Gotham City who gradually transforms into the infamous Batman villain, the Joker. After premiering at the Venice International Film Festival to massive praise, Joker has been the subject of great debate among fans and critics.

Though Joker won the Golden Lion award at Venice, the movie has also received a great deal of criticism ahead of its release, both for the film itself and concern that Phillips’ portrayal of Phoenix’s character could embolden real people to commit dangerous crimes. This has led to increased security at Joker screenings around the United States, and more awareness of the concerns about the DC Comics movie at this particular moment in popular culture. However, this was all in the lead-up to the movie, which is only just hitting theaters around the world.

Does Joker Have A Post-Credits Scene?

Those checking out Joker in theaters may be wondering whether the film differs from other comic book movies by not having a post-credits scene. Indeed, Joker does NOT have an after-credits scene, or anything after the words “The End” appear on screen. While it’s always good to watch a film’s credits to get an idea of who had a hand in making the movie a reality, those watching Joker shouldn’t expect any extra scenes or Easter eggs during the credits.

It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that Joker doesn’t have a post-credits scene. After all, Phillips, Phoenix and all those involved in the film have made it clear that Joker isn’t like other comic book movies. Though Phillips previously hinted at the possibility of a Joker sequel, he later clarified his comments to specify they aren’t planning a follow-up, just that he would be open to it. As such, there’s nothing in the works for a Joker post-credits scene to tease. As of now, it’s a standalone movie.

Further, Joker eschews many of the trappings of typical comic book movies, avoiding too many overt Easter eggs and connections to the larger DC universe, so even a small tease would be out of character for the film. Fans may have enjoyed something like Phoenix’s Joker laugh playing over the very end of the credits, but the filmmakers decided against such a choice. So as moviegoers get the chance to check out Joker in theaters, all they need to know is the film doesn’t have anything extra during the credits.

Joaquin Phoenix Wanted Joker to Have a Post-Credits Scene

Interestingly, it’s been revealed that Joker star Joaquin Phoenix actually wanted the film to have something for fans to see during the credits. Phoenix wanted a blooper reel to play alongside the credits, as has been done in many prior films, usually comedies. One could argue that idea fits Joker’s dark sense of humor, but director Todd Phillips disagreed, and overruled Phoenix’s request. It’s also possible that Phoenix wasn’t serious when he suggested including bloopers, after all, he famously pranked Phillips on set by faking an argument with cinematographer Lawrence Sher, which was played on Jimmy Kimmel Live and originally presented as a serious “outtake.”

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Joker certainly didn’t suffer at all by excluding a post-credits scene, as the standalone DC film recently crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office. Joker now stands as the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever, and the most profitable comic book movie of all time. While Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War made more money, they also cost much more to make. A Joker sequel now seems all but inevitable, and both Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips have teased the possibility.

Next: Why Actors Take Playing Joker So Seriously

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