Joaquin Phoenix Talks “Complex” Process Of Losing Weight For ‘Joker’ Sequel

Joaquin Phoenix has undertaken a significant physical transformation for his role in “Joker: Folie à Deux,” potentially for the last time in his career.

At a press conference during the Venice Film Festival, Phoenix, now 49 and an Oscar-winning actor, revealed that the weight loss for this sequel was more challenging compared to the 2019 film.

The additional difficulty stemmed from the musical elements of the sequel, which required extensive dance rehearsals.

Phoenix remarked, “This time, it felt a bit more complicated just because there was so much dance rehearsal that we were doing, which I didn’t have last time. And so it felt a bit more difficult.”

Phoenix Will Not Be Undertaking Such Dramatic Physical Changes Again In The Future

When asked about the possibility of undertaking such dramatic physical changes again in the future, Phoenix responded candidly, “You’re right. I’m 49. I probably shouldn’t do this again. This is probably it for me.”

Despite the challenges, Phoenix assured that his weight loss was managed safely under medical supervision. He chose not to disclose specifics about his diet, stating, “Nobody really wants to hear that.”

Phoenix also noted that his co-star, Lady Gaga, who plays Harley Quinn, underwent a significant weight loss for her role. He complimented her dedication, saying, “It was really impressive and seemed very difficult.”

When queried about the exact amount of weight he lost, Phoenix seemed hesitant and joked, “It was 47 pounds,” before clarifying, “No, I’m joking.” He had actually shed 52 pounds for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in the original “Joker,” a role that required him to appear gaunt and malnourished.

Why Phoenix Needed To Lose Weight For ‘Joker’ Role

Director Todd Phillips had previously mentioned his desire for the Joker to look “malnourished and thin and hungry,” a vision Phoenix achieved with a strict diet of apples, lettuce, and steamed green beans.

Reflecting on the psychological impact of extreme weight loss, Phoenix explained, “You start to go mad when you lose that much weight in that amount of time.”

Other actors, like Christian Bale, have also made headlines for dramatic weight loss transformations, with Bale losing 70 pounds between “Vice” and “Ford v Ferrari.” Bale had expressed in 2019, “I keep saying I’m done with it. I really think I’m done with it.””

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Phoenix’s Recent Withdrawal From A Gay Romance Film

Phoenix was also asked about his recent withdrawal from a gay romance film directed by Todd Haynes, a project he exited just days before filming was scheduled to begin.

Phoenix chose not to elaborate on the reasons for his departure, stating, “If I do, I would just be sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren’t here to say their piece, and it just doesn’t feel like that would be right. I’m not sure how that would be helpful.”

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