Joaquin Phoenix's 'Joker: Folie a Deux' ending linked to Heath Ledger's Joker in 'The Dark Knight'?

'Joker: Folie a Deux', the sequel to Todd Phillips' Billion dollar 'Joker' film, hit theatres on Wednesday, and much like its predecessor, it is stirring up intense discussions among viewers. While the Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga starrer has been receiving some downright negative comments and reviews online, there are others who beg to differ.
The sequel that picks up Arthur Fleck's story from the 2019 film, concludes with a significant twist that has fans of the famous Batman villain debating on its meaning and implication.The film's ending has sparked discussions about the mystery surrounding the Joker’s legacy. One particular theory suggests the ending of 'Joker 2' may offer a nod to Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of Joker in 'The Dark Knight'.
SPOILER AHEAD
The film’s final brutal scene sees Arthur being brutally stabbed by another inmate at Arkham Asylum. The inmate, played by Connor Storrie, tells Arthur a joke before repeatedly stabbing him in the stomach and seemingly adopting his maniac laugh. As Arthur collapses, bleeding, his attacker continues to laugh hysterically and carves a Glasgow smile into his own face with a knife.

This scene has sparked fan theories suggesting that Storrie’s character could be a tribute to Heath Ledger’s Joker, particularly due to the shared scars around the mouth. Although both 'Joker' director Todd Phillips and 'The Dark Knight' director Christopher Nolan place their films in different timelines and universes, the resemblance between the inmate and Ledger’s Joker has led some to wonder if Phillips is using this moment to offer his take on the character’s origin.
Ledger’s Joker famously kept his backstory ambiguous in 'The Dark Knight', claiming one time that his father gave him the scars in a drunken rage, while later, suggesting that they were self-inflicted. The mystery of his past has fascinated fans for years, leaving many speculating whether Joaquin's Arthur, who assumed the persona of Joker to carry out violent crimes and murder, was later adopted by other criminals and psychopaths wanting to bring chaos and anarchy over Gotham city.

Phillips choosing to leave the film on a cliffhanger, now has fans wondering whether 'Joker: Folie a Deux' is meant to connect with 'The Dark Knight' or simply toy with the idea that Arthur Fleck may not be the “real” Joker, but rather a precursor to the infamous Batman villain, inspiring others to take up the mantle.
This has also sparked debate about whether the film is setting the stage for the DC Studios’ Batman universe or possibly Matt Reeves’ 'The Batman' franchise starring Robert Pattinson.