Joaquin Phoenix could land a whopping $50million pay cheque to reprise his role in TWO Joker sequels.

The actor, who won a raft of awards for his portrayal of the comic-book villain, is in talks to return for a double helping.

An insider tells me: “Joaquin initially felt Joker was a standalone movie.

“But he’s changed his tune now. He says he wants to play this character again, despite the controversies that came with the release last year.

Joaquin Phoenix scooped the Best Actor Oscar for Joker in February

“It’s still being negotiated but the scripts are being written and Joaquin is very engaged with it.”

My source says makers Warner Bros were “as shocked as anyone” by the film’s success last year.

They add: “They plan to make two sequels in the next four years, with a long-term commitment to Joaquin and his Joker director Todd Phillips and producer Bradley Cooper. It’s all about getting Joaquin to accept the terms – and the biggest payday of his career by far.”

My source reveals Joaquin waited until the last minute to sign his deal for the first Joker, but for the sequels they’re asking him to engage long-term.

They hope to have the films ready for 2022 and 2024.

If Joaquin doesn’t sign up, the joke’s on him…