Key Takeaways:
– Joaquin Phoenix starred in ‘Joker' and won his first Oscar for best actor.
– In the sequel, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux', Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn.
– After viewing an early cut of the film, casting director Francine Maisler predicts Lady Gaga's performance will outshine Joaquin Phoenix.
– The film is set to be released on October 4, 2024.
A New Face in Gotham City
‘Joker: Folie à Deux', the sequel to 2019's ‘The Joker', is building high expectations among fans and critics alike. The original film, featuring Joaquin Phoenix's Oscar-winning portrayal of the infamous comic book villain, was hailed globally. Now, pop icon Lady Gaga joins the cast in the sequel as Harleen Quinzel, better known as Harley Quinn.
The Rave About Gaga
Fans were hesitant regarding Lady Gaga's transition to this role, initially popularized by actress Margot Robbie. However, casting director Francine Maisler, who had a sneak peek into an early cut of the film, assures fans they're in for a surprise. Maisler expressed how impressed she was with Gaga's portrayal of Harley Quinn during a conversation at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Outshining Phoenix
In the sequel, Phoenix's character, Arthur Fleck, is no longer a lone wolf. He is accompanied by another character sharing the same musical insanity, played by Lady Gaga. According to Maisler, fans are in for a wave of surprise with Gaga's acting prowess. Following her performance in ‘A Star is Born', Gaga's anticipated portrayal in ‘Joker 2' is projected to be a game-changer.
A Different Type of Harley Quinn
This isn't the first time audiences will see Harley Quinn on the big screen. Actress Margot Robbie, famous for her role as the quirky, hammer-wielding character in the DCEU, openly supports Lady Gaga taking on the role. Robbie, excited to see Gaga's interpretation, exclaimed that the singer-turned-actor is “going to crush it”.
A Perfect Pairing
Maisler goes on record to state Gaga's performance in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux' will not merely hold its own against Phoenix's portrayal but outshine him significantly. Maisler expressed, “Joaquin blows your mind, but Gaga is even more impressive. She manages to keep up with him and not be blown away. She's good”.
What's in Store?
‘Joker: Folie à Deux' is building hype as a musical psychological thriller, leaving fans eager to see how this shift in genre impacts the narrative and the characters, especially the menacing Clown Prince of Crime. Undoubtedly, this shift is sparking interest and increasing anticipation for the film.
With the Dodging Criticism
Sequels tend to be subjected to heavy criticism, oftentimes falling victim to high expectations set by their predecessors. Given the success of the Oscar-winning film ‘The Joker', ‘Joker: Folie à Deux' carries a hefty burden. However, should the affirmations of casting director Maisler hold true, the sequel might just surpass its predecessor.
Conclusion
As we eagerly wait, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux' is set to release on October 4, 2024. Given the excitement surrounding Lady Gaga's performance, this sequel seems poised to usher in a new era for DC films. Whether she will outshine Phoenix or not, one thing is clear: ‘Joker: Folie à Deux' is a cinematic event that shouldn't be missed.
