Joker: Folie à Deux is, unfortunately, still far from ready for release. However, the sequel to Todd Philips’ much-acclaimed psychological thriller has begun dropping crumbs for the fans to follow. After unraveling a phenomenally fresh and new origin story for DC Comics’ Joker in the first film, the sequel will take us deeper into the mad clown’s tales, introducing his love interest and partner in crime, Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga. While the first film saw Arthur Fleck transitioning into who would later become Batman’s archenemy, the sequel will drive us with a “madness for two” with both Joker and Harley Quinn developing an unusual relationship within the confines of Arkham Asylum.
Teasing that, some new pictures from the film’s set have recently surfaced featuring a fresh look at Lady Gaga in character as Quinn. The image features a piece of a newspaper Gotham Examiner, which, in turn, shows a printed picture of Gaga holding a prison board bearing the name of one Harleen Frances Quinzel. The image also features a headline, “CRAZY IN LOVE,” claiming her as Joker’s new love. An inset also shows Phoenix’s Joker with the subheading “JOKER HAS A NEW LOVE.”
The image gives us a good glimpse at Dr. Quinzel before she permanently dons the red and white dress and her signature makeup that announces her love for Joker. It’s unclear how much background of Dr. Quinzel we’ll see in Joker: Folie à Deux. Todd Phillips has not revealed much about the film besides the fact that he intends to shoot it as a musical venture set within Arkham Asylum. However, it would be interesting to give Lady Gaga ample space and screen time to go through her character transition in the movie, much like Arthur in the first one. However, similar to the previous film, it is probable that Phillips may give Harleen Quinzel a distinct background from what’s told in DC Comics.
Joker: Folie à Deux would be unique for a comic book adaptation. Being a musical amidst a thriling tale, the film is already distinctive and exceptional. Furthermore, much of the movie could blend delusions, mind games, and mental trauma to offer the audience an elated and heightened thrill.
The film is currently under development and will be released in October 2024. Besides Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film will see Zazie Beetz reprising her role as Sophie Dumond from the first film. Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey have also been cast. The film could also feature other DC Comics characters taking the stage at some point in the movie.
Notably, the film won two Academy Awards, including other accolades, with Joaquin Phoenix receiving outstanding and widespread praise for his performance, which saw him reach new fame in his career. After DC Studios’ new management shuffle, James Gunn has officially instated Joker and Joker: Folie à Deux as DC Elseworlds properties alongside other non-DCU properties.
