Everything we know about Lady Gaga in the Joker sequel
Even if you’re not an avid follower of the Batman franchise, or any of the superhero multiverse for that matter (though, with the amount of content being churned out, it’s slightly hard to avoid), you’ll still be familiar with the character of The Joker.
Whether through Heath Ledger’s haunting portrayal in The Dark Knight, or by proxy on account of being the beau of Margot Robbie‘s fast-mouthed and nasal Harley Quinn, you’re probably just about up to date with Gotham’s Clown Prince of Crime.
Oh, and let’s not forget, 2019’s Joker brought us an unforgettably unhinged Joaquin Phoenix performance (which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor), alongside a complete retelling of the famous adversary which we know and…love?
And now, a sequel to the cynical tale of madness is coming our way, with a very familiar face joining the ranks. So what do we know so far about this next instalment in the supervillain’s story? Let’s break it down…
What’s the Joker sequel about?
It was uncertain whether this dark drama would even be granted a sequel, given the slight controversies that surrounded its release. (Some audiences questioned the moral implications of celebrating violence in such a way.) Though, with a $1 billion return at the box office, it was inevitable.
Major plot details are still under wraps, but a few things have come to light. The film is said to be taking place mostly in Arkham Asylum, and will be…wait for it…a musical.
Yes, you read that right.
Though it’s unclear to what extent the musical elements will lead the film’s narrative, this twist in format has certainly thrown all expectations out of the water.
The title itself, Folie à Deux, is a French phrase which means “delusion or mental illness shared by two people in close association”. This suggests that The Joker will be finding a partnership in madness with another character, and given that the film will take place in Arkham Asylum (the setting in which he canonically meets his beloved Dr Harleen Quinzel), we can’t help but think that maybe Harley Quinn might be stopping by.
According to reports, the film will have “complicated musical sequences”, and will work on a budget of roughly $150 million. Sounds pretty unmissable.
ho’s starring in the Joker sequel?
Joaquin Phoenix will be reprising his role as Arthur Fleck (AKA: The Joker). And of course, superstar Lady Gaga was announced to have joined the cast, with all signs pointing to her taking on the energetic role of Harley Quinn. What a pairing.
Also included is Zazie Beetz, who appeared in the first film as Arthur’s neighbour Sophie, with whom he imagines a relationship. Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Harry Lawtey, and Jacob Lofland will also be appearing.
Lady Gaga took to social media to announce her casting in Joker: Folie à Deux, posting a short video of her and Phoenix’s names against a blood red background, accompanied by silhouetted images of her character and the Joker. Given Gaga’s ability to chew scenery as shown with her performance in House of Gucci, as well as her talent for holding a note in A Star is Born and, well, her entire career, we’ll consider ourselves hooked.
