The initial preview for Joker: Folie à Deux features the collaboration of Academy Award winners Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in one of the most captivating releases of the 2024 film season.
Warner Bros. showcased the trailer at CinemaCon, where Joker 2 was one of the highly anticipated films theater owners were eager to catch a glimpse of — and with good reason.
This sequel follows a billion-dollar success that earned Phoenix an Oscar, but is venturing into new territory by exploring the musical genre.Director Todd Phillips pointed out that in certain aspects, the new film is quite similar to the first one, as music plays a crucial role in both.
When questioned if the new film could be considered a musical, Phillips responded, “We never discussed it in that manner. I prefer to describe it as a movie where music is a fundamental component. In my opinion, this doesn't stray too far from the original film.” In the initial movie, “Arthur embodies music. He exudes a certain grace.”
Phillips expressed his gratitude to theater owners at CinemaCon in 2020, even though he didn't have a film to promote at the time. He mentioned that he wanted to thank them just before the release of the first Joker, when there were concerns about the film potentially inciting violence. Despite the negative narrative surrounding the movie, he appreciated the theater owners for their support and loyalty.
Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, with Lady Gaga taking on a character reportedly inspired by the comic book figure Harley Quinn. The pair is famous for their tumultuous romantic involvement in the comics, with the Folie à Deux title alluding to the psychiatric term for a shared or similar mental disorder affecting two or more individuals, typically within the same family.
In 2019, the initial Joker film exceeded expectations by surpassing $1 billion in box office revenue, establishing itself as the top-grossing R-rated movie ever. The lead role was portrayed by Phoenix, depicting a struggling comedian whose psychological struggles intensify, leading him to embrace the Joker identity. The character ultimately attains a legendary status akin to a folk hero, inciting a riot in Gotham. The upcoming sequel is rumored to incorporate musical elements and will see director Phillips collaborating once again with Gaga, following their work together on the music-focused A Star Is Born remake.
Phillips teased the film by sharing an Instagram post in December 2022 featuring Phoenix in character, followed by revealing the first-look at Lady Gaga in character alongside Phoenix on Valentine’s Day 2023.
Co-written by Phillips and Scott Silver, the sequel to Joker is part of the DC Elseworlds brand, known for allowing stories to exist outside the shared DC Universe. This brand is overseen by DC Studios executives James Gunn and Peter Safran, with other projects like Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II film and the HBO Max Penguin series falling under its umbrella.
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