‘Joker: Folie À Deux’ trailer finally drops

YESTERDAY, April 10, 2024, the trailer for the long-awaited sequel to Joaquin Phoenix’s rendition of Joker finally dropped.

Entitled ‘Joker: Folie À Deux,’ the film follows the events of the first one, which ended with Arthur Fleck – better known as Joker – getting thrown in Arkham Asylum for his crimes. Here, he meets his love interest, a fellow inmate named Harleen Quinzel, who later becomes Harley Quinn.

Little has been revealed about the actual plot, aside from the fact that it’s going to take a look at the romance between Joker and Harley Quinn.

Here, Joaquin Phoenix will be reprising his role as Joker, with Lady Gaga playing Harley Quinn. Zazie Beetz will also be reprising her role as Sophie Drummond, Joker’s next-door neighbor in the first film. 

Other characters said to be a part of the film are Brendan Gleeson, Jacob Lofland, Catherine Keener, and Harry Lawtey.

Steve Coogan, a well-known English-Irish comedian, actor, and screenwriter, surprised fans when he appeared in the second film trailer, though it’s unsure what role he’ll be playing in it.

Changes to the story

What makes this film different from the first? Aside from the addition of Lady Gaga to the main ensemble, it’s also reportedly going to be a jukebox musical, with 15 new versions of very beloved songs.

Director Todd Phillips, who also directed the first ‘Joker,’ explains: “It’s a film where music is an essential element.”

Aside from this, it’s also speculated that Phillip will be taking a different approach to Harley and Joker’s relationship, as in DC’s other comics, shows, and films that featured the couple, Joker was shown to be very toxic toward one another.

Originally, they met when Joker was a prisoner at Arkham, with Harley as his psychiatrist. Joker would then manipulate her into falling in love with him, and she would then leave her old life behind to fight by his side full-time. 

In this film, however, Harley is shown to be a patient at Arkham Asylum as well. 

Though there’s little else that’s been confirmed aside from this, Phillip is expected to veer away from the typical archetype of their relationship, with Joker actually developing feelings for Harley and not just manipulating her so that he can get out of Arkham. 

The film is set for release on October 4, 2024, and is going to be rated R for audiences.