In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker was different from any version of the Batman villain we have seen. His role in 2019’s Joker won Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role and set the stage for a much darker version of the Clown King of Crime. So, when Lady Gaga was cast in 2022 as Harley Quinn for Joker 2, now titled Joker: Folie à Deux, fans were equally excited to see someone new take up the mantle as well as get confirmation that a sequel was indeed in the works.
Earlier this month, Warner Bros. released the official teaser trailer for Joker 2. So far fans and newcomers alike adore the pairing of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Seemingly set mostly in Arkham Asylum, the film will more deeply explore how the Joker and Quinn’s relationship started. This time, however, Quinn appears to be an inmate at Arkham Asylum. This is a slightly different approach to her origins. Traditionally, Quinn is a psychologist at Arkham who falls in love with Joker. However, from the trailer alone it’s hard to tell if this is the route Warner Bros is taking or if they are sticking to the classic origins of Harley Quinn.
When originally announced, Joker 2 was rumored to be a musical. From both the trailer and interviews this rumor seems to be true.
“I think people will be surprised,” said Zazie Beetz to Variety who is set to reprise the role of Sophie Dumond. “I don’t think it’s going to be what they expect, around it being musical.”
How music will be incorporated into the film is unknown. But in the trailer sets and cinematography akin to 2016’s La La Land are seen. This means that the music in the movie could be used as a supplemental element. Supporting the story rather than being the main selling point. It also seems like music will be the way Joker and Quinn bond in the film.
“We use music to make us whole,” an unknown man says in the trailer. “To balance the fractures within ourselves.”
Obviously, Arthur Fleck/Joker is a very fractured character. The pain and hardships he’s experienced and brought upon himself caused this fracture. One of the main plot elements of the first Joker was how he felt so alone that he hallucinated having a spouse. One who he may or may not have murdered towards the end of the film. Even though it seems like Quinn is a real person, there is still a high possibility she is a figment of Joker’s imagination. A way for him to feel like someone special in a world that has all but abandoned him.
If Quinn is real, there is also the possibility that she is using the Joker to get out of Arkham. At the end of the trailer, there is a scene showing Quinn dressed in a new “Quinn-esque” attire. Surrounded by adoring fans as she walks up a set of stairs. This could indicate that Quinn becomes the Clown Queen of Crime by the end of Joker 2 or is simply doing the Joker’s dirty work while he’s behind bars.
Regardless of who becomes the King, or Queen, of Crime, Joker: Folie à Deux is shaping up to be a wonderful, twisted love story between two twisted individuals. The musical aspect will definitely be a unique but welcomed aspect of the tale bringing elements from theater to bring the Joker and Harley Quinn together.
Joker: Folie à Deux is set to release in theaters and in IMAX on October 4th, 2024.
