2019’s Joker film has given rise to another film leading into becoming a franchise. Joker 2: Folie à Deux is the second film in the Joker Franchise. The Clown of Prince of Crime has always been enticing for actors as the Joker is such a complex character. After Jared Leto gave it a try and was heavily criticized for his iteration of the Joker, Joaquin Phoenix- one of the greatest actors of the 21st century played the part in the 2019 film titled Joker. This role earned him his long awaited Oscar. Though the film impressed many for me it was more of a Arthur Fleck movie rather than Joker. However, it doesn’t matter as the film was hugely successful. It grossed over $1 billion dollars worldwide over a budget of only $60 million.
Naturally, a sequel was being planned but nothing no concrete decision was made as no one was sure whether Joaquin would return for a sequel. Last month, Todd Philips shared a picture of the Joker 2 script title confirming the sequel. Along with it, he also shared a picture of Joaquin reading the script. The picture confirmed Joaquin’s return but no official announcement was made. The sequel has also casted Lady Gaga alongside Joaquin Phoenix. She confirmed last month that she’ll play Harley Quinn in the sequel. The casting of Gaga might seem odd but considering the sequel is a musical, it seems apt. However, today’s update might change your entire perception of the sequel and the role Lady Gaga will play in it. Let’s check out what it is.
Joker 2: Folie à Deux Will Be A Harley Quinn Story?
A new rumor suggests that the sequel to 2019’s Joker won’t be a conventional sequel. We knew that from the start but this new update takes the sequel on a completely different route. The sequel will reportedly told from Harley Quinn’s perspective, played by Lady Gaga. A segment called “Hot Scoop or Shot of Poop” from the podcast The Weekly Planet, revealed that the sequel will be told from Harley Quinn’s perspective.
In the latest episode, host James Clement claimed that he has “a very reliable source” saying that “Joker 2 isn’t so much a Joker movie:” “Apparently, Joker 2 isn’t so much a Joker movie, it’s a Harley Quinn… It’s from Harley Quinn’s perspective. And the reason it’s a musical is because that’s how she perceives her relationship with Joker.” “Ah, like a romantic musical?” asked co-host Nick Mason. Clement confirmed just that, saying, “Exactly.”
The latest teaser of the film confirmed that the film will in fact be a musical. Along with this, the teaser also confirmed that Lady Gaga will have a prominent role in the film. The teaser visuals were shown via silhouettes of both Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck and Gaga’s Harley Quinn dancing to Fred Astaire’s “Cheek to Cheek.” However, this is not the only Joker 2 update we’ve gotten today. As shared by The Hollywood Reporter, Jacob Lofland will be joining both Lady Gaga and Arthur Fleck as an Arkham Asylum inmate who develops a bond with Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck.
The sequel’s storyline is supposed to surround the infamous Arkham Asylum. We got glimpses of the Arkham Asylum in the last film as well. In the end, Joaquin’s Arthur Fleck was seen being treated in Arkham Asylum for him mental illness. The last scene saw Fleck murdering the doctor who was treated him and being chased by guards in the Arkham Asylum. According to The Wrap, the sequel will feature a lot more of Gotham’s mental health facility and there is a possibility that Harley Quinn played Lady Gaga might him in the facility itself.
As I’d said before the title “Folie à Deux” means a type of mental illness shared between two close people. Where can Joaquin’s Arthur Fleck find someone who shares a similar mental illness as him? Well his best bet would the Arkham Asylum. Both characters can find comfort in each and other as they’d empathize.
The first Joker movie featured an incredible ensemble cast that included Robert De Niro, Frances Conroy, Shea Whigham, Bill Camp, and Brett Cullen as Thomas Wayne. Let me know your thoughts on these latest updates. Are you excited for Joker 2? What do you think a comic book musical movie be like? Joker: Folie à Deux is slated to release on 4th October 2024.
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