Murray Franklin is a character from the 2019 film Joker, played by Robert De Niro. Murray Franklin is a famous talk show host in Gotham City, known for his show Live! With Murray Franklin. Franklin is portrayed as a veteran personality in the television industry. His story takes a dark turn when he becomes involved with Arthur Fleck, who later becomes the Joker.

Trivia/Facts

• Murray Franklin was a well-known talk show host in Gotham City. His show was called Live! With Murray Franklin. Franklin is played by Robert De Niro in the 2019 movie Joker. He is a seasoned personality in the talk show industry.
• Born in Gotham City in 1905, Murray Franklin’s career spanned many decades. He became a familiar face on television with his popular talk show. His show had a significant following and was known for its celebrity interviews. Franklin’s character represents a classic talk show host.
• In 1981, Arthur Fleck, who later becomes the Joker, had a failed comedy routine that caught Murray’s attention. Murray played clips of Arthur’s performance on his show. The clips unexpectedly became popular, leading Murray to invite Arthur as a guest. This decision was made without knowing Arthur’s mental state.

• During the show, Arthur, who requested to be introduced as “Joker,” made several dark and disturbing jokes. He confessed to killing three executives from Wayne Enterprises. Arthur’s speech criticized society’s neglect of the marginalized and Murray’s mockery. The show ended tragically when Arthur shot Murray in the head live on television.
• Robert De Niro’s casting in this role is a nod to his performances in The King of Comedy and Taxi Driver. These films influenced the script of Joker, rather than any comic book material. Murray’s character is a reversal of De Niro’s role in The King of Comedy. In Joker, he plays a famous comedian who dismisses a struggling stand-up comic.
• The character of Murray Franklin is loosely inspired by David Endocrine from Dark Knight#3: Hunt the Dark Knight. However, in Joker, the focus is more on the overall chaos rather than singling out the talk show host. The story also references Johnny Carson and his late-night show. The show’s format and Murray’s sidekick are reminiscent of Carson’s show, with parallels to Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen.

Murray Franklin’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Arthur Fleck/Joker: Murray Franklin’s relationship with Arthur Fleck is central to the story. Initially, Murray plays clips of Arthur’s failed comedy routine on his show, which unexpectedly gains popularity. He invites Arthur as a guest, unaware of Arthur’s deteriorating mental state. During the show, Arthur reveals his identity as the Joker and murders Murray live on television.
• Audience: Murray’s relationship with his audience is typical of a talk show host. He is expected to entertain and engage them with celebrity interviews and humor. However, the audience is shocked and horrified when Arthur turns violent on the show.
• Staff (Sidekick and Bandleader): Murray’s interactions with his sidekick and bandleader are similar to traditional talk show setups. They help with the show’s production and often interact with guests. In Joker, they resemble real-life figures like Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen from The Tonight Show. Their role is supportive but becomes secondary to the chaos caused by Arthur.
• Society: Murray’s relationship with society is more indirect. He represents the media and celebrity culture that Arthur criticizes. His mockery and dismissive attitude towards Arthur contribute to the latter’s sense of betrayal and anger, leading to the tragic ending of the show.