Blockbuster Alert- Joker: Folie à Deux

Adm Desk Apr 10, 2024

Joker: Folie à Deux" serves as the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed "Joker" film, starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role. Directed by Todd Phillips and produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios, the film continues the psychological thriller narrative set in the DC Comics universe. Alongside Phoenix, Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, while Zazie Beetz reprises her role from the original film. The sequel, initially conceived as a standalone project, explores the aftermath of the events depicted in its predecessor. With principal photography spanning locations in Los Angeles, New York City, and Belleville, New Jersey, the film promises to delve deeper into the complexities of its characters while maintaining the dark and captivating atmosphere that defined its predecessor. "Joker: Folie à Deux" is scheduled for release in the United States on October 4, 2024.

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck : A troubled individual grappling with mental illness and a grim outlook on life. As the Joker, he adopts a clown-like persona, reflecting his descent into criminality.

Lady Gaga as Harleen Quinzel : An inmate at the same asylum as Arthur. Her fascination with him evolves into a dangerous infatuation, leading to a tumultuous romantic entanglement.

Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond: Arthur's former neighbor and a single mother. Each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of identity, obsession, and the blurred lines between sanity and madness in this psychological thriller.

Additionally,Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, Steve Coogan, Ken Leung, and Harry Lawtey join the cast in unspecified characters. Meanwhile, Leigh Gill and Sharon Washington return to portray Gary and Arthur's counselor, respectively. These new additions bring intrigue to the ensemble, hinting at a diverse array of roles that will contribute to the film's narrative richness.

Production

Joker (2019) was initially planned as a standalone movie without any sequels. However, Warner Bros. aimed to kickstart DC Black, a series of darker, more experimental films unrelated to the DC Extended Universe. Director Todd Phillips expressed interest in a sequel in 2019, depending on the first film's success and Joaquin Phoenix's willingness to return. Nevertheless, Phillips emphasized that the original film wasn't designed for a sequel. Phoenix hinted at the possibility of reprising his role as Arthur, expressing intrigue about exploring new avenues with the character. Despite initial hesitation, Phoenix found the role compelling and open to further exploration. He was reportedly paid $20 million for his involvement in the project.

In November 2019, reports surfaced regarding a possible sequel to Joker, involving Todd Phillips, Scott Silver, and Joaquin Phoenix. However, Deadline Hollywood contradicted these reports, stating that negotiations hadn't yet commenced. Phillips acknowledged discussions with Warner Bros. but clarified that active development for a sequel wasn't underway. He also emphasized that Joker's Gotham wouldn't intersect with The Batman's universe. During an interview with Variety, Phillips expressed interest in a spin-off focusing on Batman set in Joker's Gotham.

In June 2022, Phillips confirmed the sequel's development and unveiled the title Joker: Folie à Deux, revealing his involvement in co-writing the script with Silver. By February 2023, DC Studios CEO James Gunn confirmed that Folie à Deux would be a DC Elseworlds project, indicating its separation from the primary DC cinematic universe. This move signaled a departure from the traditional continuity, allowing for creative freedom in exploring alternate storylines and character interpretations.

The announcement generated significant anticipation among fans, eager to witness Phoenix reprise his acclaimed role as the enigmatic Arthur Fleck. With Phillips and Silver at the helm, Joker: Folie à Deux promises to delve deeper into the psychological complexities of the character, offering a compelling narrative that builds upon the success of its predecessor while charting new territory within the DC cinematic landscape.

Casting

Shortly after the film's announcement, Lady Gaga was in discussions to play Harley Quinn in the musical, later confirming her casting. Zazie Beetz was reported to be negotiating a return as Sophie Dumond, with Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Jacob Lofland joining the cast. Gleeson expressed admiration for Phoenix's performance and Gaga but admitted feeling intimidated by his role. Additionally, Harry Lawtey was cast in a significant role in October. These developments sparked excitement among fans, eager to see Gaga's interpretation of Harley Quinn alongside Phoenix's Joker. With an ensemble cast featuring seasoned actors and rising stars, the anticipation for the film's release continued to build, promising a unique blend of music, drama, and psychological thrills.

Filming

Principal photography for the film commenced on December 10, 2022, with Todd Phillips sharing a first glimpse on Instagram, and Lawrence Sher as the cinematographer. Filming locations included Los Angeles and New York City, with Lady Gaga filming a scene outside the New York County Courthouse that drew attention from passersby. Scenes set in Arkham Asylum were shot at the abandoned Essex County Isolation Hospital in New Jersey. In April 2023, filming took place at the iconic "Joker Stairs" in the Bronx. The production wrapped on April 5, 2023. The film utilized IMAX-certified digital cameras for certain shots, ensuring a visually captivating experience for audiences.

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Post-production

In December 2023, James Gunn provided feedback after reviewing the footage, guiding the film's direction. With a reported budget of $200 million, the sequel sees a significant increase compared to the $60 million budget of its predecessor, Joker.

Music

Hildur Guðnadóttir, who composed the score for the first film, returns for the sequel. The movie is anticipated to feature 15 musical numbers, mostly covers of existing songs, with the possibility of one or two original songs. These songs will blend with Guðnadóttir's score. Among the expected inclusions is "That's Entertainment!" from The Band Wagon (1953).