Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga
Romantic scenes in “Joker: Folie á Deux”
Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga as Joker and Harley Quinn in “Joker: Folie á Deux.”
© imago/Cover Images
Director Todd Phillips shows new “Joker 2” photos of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga – in a dance pose suitable for Valentine’s Day.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” director Todd Phillips (53) celebrated Valentine’s Day with a surprise for all “Joker” fans. On Instagram he showed three new photos from the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2019 cinema hit. Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix (49) will once again play the title role, and US superstar Lady Gaga (37) will be seen as Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn.
In the first photo, the two are facing each other, but looking in different directions. In the second, they give each other a loving kiss on the nose, separated by bars. Image number three shows a passionate dance scene over the rooftops of a city, presumably Gotham City. As the caption, Phillips added, “Hoping your day is filled with love.”
“Drama with musical elements”
According to the industry magazine “Variety” Exact details about the plot of the second “Joker” film are still not known. Just this much: The “drama with musical elements” is set to take place in and around the fictional setting of Arkham Asylum.
The supporting cast includes returning “Joker” actress Zazie Beetz (32) and newcomers Brendan Gleeson (68), Catherine Keener (64), Jacob Lofland (27) and Harry Lawtey (27).
Lady Gaga as Harley Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn
Margot Robbie (33), who was the first actress to bring Harley Quinn to life on screen in films such as “Suicide Squad” (2016) and “Birds of Prey” (2020), has previously spoken out in favor of Lady Gaga takes on the role of the comic icon. She reiterated her support for the US star in a Variety cover story published last month.
“I always wanted Harley to be a character that would be passed down to other actresses, just like there are so many iconic male characters,” Robbie said. “Harley is so funny and can go in so many different directions. Putting her in someone else’s hands begs the question, ‘What are you going to do with her?’ The possibilities are endless.”
Lawrence Sher (54), Oscar-nominated cinematographer of “Joker”, who returned to film the sequel, revealed last year on the podcast “The Trenches Talk”, that he “never met” Lady Gaga on set because she was probably in character the whole time. Sher said it wasn’t until he started calling her “Lee” – a reference to Harley – that she became friends with him.
Outstanding success of “Joker”
The original Joker film was released in 2019 to much acclaim and controversy, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film in cinema history.
The film also received eleven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and Phoenix won Best Actor.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” will be released in theaters by Warner Bros. on October 4th.