(Updated 03/22/2024)
If you thought that the 2019 movie JOKER would be a one-and-done affair, the joke is on you. And on us, because we thought the same thing. JOKER 2 is coming this fall. And, reportedly, it has musical elements, even if it isn't exactly a full-on musical production.
Returning director Todd Phillips scripted the JOKER sequel, which has the unusual subtitle FOLIE À DEUX. Joaquin Phoenix returns to play the movie's title role, and another massive star will appear as well. That would be Lady Gaga. If you have some guesses about the ideal character for Gaga to play, you are probably thinking along the same lines as Todd Phillips. Here’s everything we know about JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX.
What's the Release Date for Joker 2?
Warner Bros. Pictures will release JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX on October 4, 2024.
Is There a Trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux?
There is no trailer for the JOKER sequel yet! While many set photos have been seen, there are few official looks at the cast, and no official footage.
Who Does Lady Gaga Play in Joker 2?
While her role remains unconfirmed, set photos leave little doubt as to Gaga's role. She's rocking a look that screams "Harley Quinn." We know that Arthur Fleck might be in a position to see a mental health provider, so Harley's entrance makes perfect sense.
Gaga's costume and makeup certainly align with the gritty, realistic vibe of the first Joker film. Don't expect a carbon copy of Margot Robbie's more over-the-top portrayal. (But this will likely be over-the-top in its own way.)
What's Up With That Bizarre Title for Joker 2?
The "Folie à Deux" subtitle refers to a shared psychosis or mental disorder affecting two or more people, typically family members. Given what we know about Arthur Fleck's backstory, this could mean a few things.
First is that Arthur and Harley are united as a makeshift psychotic family. That's certainly the most likely top-level explanation of the title. Then there's the question about whether or not the movie will explore Joker's potential connection to the Wayne family. Remember, he once believed he was Thomas Wayne's illegitimate son, which would make him Bruce Wayne's half-brother.
Joker 2 Has Musical Elements
Ever since trade reports announced Gaga as being in talks, JOKER 2 has been described as a musical. The question has been: What does that mean? Now we know that JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX is described as a "jukebox musical" — in other words, a musical that relies on existing songs rather than new tunes. We hear that about 15 well-known songs are in FOLIE À DEUX. We just don't know what that means for the movie's overall structure.
One thing is for certain, however: This will be a bigger and more expensive movie than the original. JOKER was unusual in that it was a relatively budget-friendly comic book movie. But with musical numbers to produce, even if they are low key, this will be a more complicated movie to make. Consequently it might also look "bigger" than the original, though that's a pretty vague concept that a trailer will quickly reinforce or dispel.
We'll tell you more about JOKER 2 soon!
All images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.