Key Takeaways:
– ‘Joker: Folie a Deux' has finished production, directed by Todd Phillips and rated R for its strong violence, explicit language, and partial nudity.
– Singer and actor Lady Gaga will be depicting Harley Quinn and promises an authentic portrayal.
– Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar-winning actor, will return as Arthur Fleck aka The Joker for the sequel.
– The film is speculated to have a substantial plot in Arkham Asylum.
– This sequel will feature musical elements, with Lady Gaga leading the musical charge.
– Warner Bros announced ‘Joker: Folie a Deux' slated to release on October 4, 2024.
‘Joker: Folie a Deux', directed by Todd Phillips, has wrapped up its production. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has rated this sequel R, exhibiting elements of strong violence, language, brief full nudity, and some sexual content. Aiming for the same hardcore spirit as its predecessor, the R rating does not come as a surprise.
Lady Gaga's Authentic Take on Harley Quinn
Pop sensation turned actor Lady Gaga is set to portray the notorious Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie a Deux.' Gaga assures her fans that her version of Harley Quinn is an authentic portrayal tailored for the sequel. She voiced her enthusiasm for portraying a character starkly different from her previous roles.
Plot Speculations
Little detail has surfaced about the movie's plot, with the production team striving to keep the film under wraps. Still, rumored speculations indicate part of the story will be set in Arkham Asylum with a promising role for Harley Quinn.
The sequel will also introduce musical elements as a natural progression of the motifs from the first ‘Joker' film. Lady Gaga's musical background is the driving force behind this decision. Furthermore, the film will remain under the ‘DC Elseworlds' category, existing as a stand-alone project in the DC Universe.
All-Star Cast
Joaquin Phoenix earned an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker and will reprise his role as Arthur Fleck in the sequel. Unlike the original film, for which he earned $4 million, Phoenix's payday for the sequel will be a hefty $20 million.
Joining him is Lady Gaga, adding her star-power to ‘Joker: Folie a Deux' as Harley Quinn. Despite the iconic character being immortalized by Margot Robbie in the Suicide Squad movies and ‘Birds of Prey', Robbie has praised Lady Gaga's casting and is excited to see her portrayal.
Additional new cast members include Jacob Lofland, Catherine Keener, Brendan Gleeson, and Harry Lawtey. While Lawtey's role remains undisclosed, it promises to be significant for the series. Zazie Beetz, who portrayed Sophie in the first Joker film, may also make a potential return.
Release Date and Reactions
Warner Bros announced that ‘Joker: Folie a Deux' will release on October 4, 2024. The studio is expected to push the film towards major Oscar considerations following its predecessor's success.
Is It a Musical?
Though the film was initially rumored to be a musical, Variety clarified that it would be a jukebox musical featuring roughly fifteen covers. The featured songs will be interpreted anew by the movie's returning composer, Hildur Guðnadóttir.
Title Breakdown
‘Folie a Deux' translates to ‘madness of two,' likely referring to the intricate relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn.
Filming and Budget Details
The sequel has been partly shot with IMAX cameras and has a reported budget exceeding $200 million, more than three times the cost of the original film.
With the anticipation building and fans being offered tidbits of information, the sequel promises to keep up with the thrilling spirit of the original. With Lady Gaga's inclusion and the promise of an authentic portrayal, the buzz for ‘Joker: Folie a Deux' shows no sign of slowing down.
