Filming wraps up for “Joker: Folie à deux”! On social media, Todd Phillips, the film’s director, celebrated this moment by unveiling two new instead chilling photos of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in their respective roles.
In 2024, Arthur Fleck, aka the Joker, one of the greatest villains of the DC Universe, will return to our screens for new adventures. This time, Batman’s arch-enemy won’t be going solo. Indeed, in “Joker: Folie à deux,” the sequel to the first installment released in theaters 4 years ago, the king of Gotham City will finally be joined by his queen, the crazy Harley Quinn.
Harley Quinn is Gaga
The choice fell to the music star Lady Gaga to play this character. A choice that, at first, surprised many, considering the character is already played on screen by Australian actress Margot Robbie. The explanation is simple: Todd Phillips’ “Joker” and the DCU movies do not occur in the same universe. Specifically in three films: “Suicide Squad” and “Birds of Prey.”
In any case, although the “Babylon” star was incredible in the role of Harley Quinn, there is no doubt that the performer of “Born This Way” will be even more astonishing. The leaked photos from the filming certainly hint at her interpretation. Lady Gaga’s version, which promises to be darker, fits perfectly with the atmosphere of Todd Phillips’ “Joker.”
“Joker”: from success to the Phenomenon
As a reminder, the first film was released in theaters on October 9, 2019. And to say the least, it was a truly global success, becoming one of the most profitable films at the worldwide box office. With a minimal budget for its filming, between 55 and 77 million dollars, the film, restricted to those 17 and older, still managed to cross the billion-dollar revenue mark. More than a success, “Joker” became a phenomenon.
The proof? On social media, fans recreated iconic scenes in the Bronx, such as when Joaquin Phoenix dances down the stairs between two buildings, between Shakespeare Avenue and West 167th Street. As for awards, thanks to his outstanding interpretation of the psychopathic clown, Joaquin Phoenix, who will soon star in Ari Ester’s “Beau si Afraid,” won the highly coveted Best Actor award during the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony.
“Joker: Folie à deux”: crimes in song
In short, given the first film’s success, it was obvious that a sequel would be made. Thus, filming for “Joker: Folie à deux” began last December. While the first installment tells the origin story of Arthur Fleck and all the events that turned him into a dangerous psychopath, the second should focus on his encounter with Harley Quinn. And as in the 2019 “Joker,” audiences will revisit some iconic locations, such as the famous stairs. As shown in the filming photos, Joker and Harley Quinn performed a few dance steps there.
Moreover, it has been announced that “Joker: Folie à deux” will be a musical comedy. However, don’t expect to see cheesy scenes like in “La La Land,” “Grease,” or “West Side Story.” Oh no! In “Joker: Folie à deux,” which we can describe as a criminal love story, it’s clear that a lot of blood will be shed. And all in song.
It’s a wrap
For several months, the cities of New York and New Jersey, which hosted the filming of the movie, were filled with the madness of Joker and Harley Quinn. Unfortunately, as they say, all good things must end. Indeed, as announced by the project’s director, Todd Phillips (The Hangover, Due Date, etc.), the movie’s filming has been completed. On Instagram, he thanked the two main actors, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the rest of the cast, and the entire crew.
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“That’s a wrap. Thanks to these two (+ the entire cast) and the BEST crew that the film industry has to offer. From top to bottom. Gonna crawl into a cave now (edit room) and put it all together. ” he wrote.
Todd Phillips delighted fans in his post by revealing 2 new exclusive photos of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in their roles. As for the star of “House of Gucci,” in her portrait as Harley Quinn, she appears with a closed expression, a piercing gaze, and smudged makeup. The photo is both beautiful and chilling at the same time.
The release of “Joker: Folie à deux” is scheduled for October 2024.
