The first trailer for "Joker: Folie à Deux" features the exciting pairing of Oscar winners Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, promising one of the most intriguing films of the 2024 theatrical lineup.
 |
| Joker: Folie à Deux WARNER BROS. |
Warner Bros. revealed the trailer at CinemaCon, where "Joker 2" stood out as one of the most anticipated titles for theater owners. This sequel follows up on the massive success of the original film, which grossed over $1 billion and earned Phoenix an Oscar. However, "Joker: Folie à Deux" takes a bold turn by venturing into the musical genre.
Director Todd Phillips noted that "Joker: Folie à Deux" is not fundamentally different from the first film, which also featured music prominently.
"We never talked about it like that," Phillips remarked when asked if the sequel was a musical. "I like to say it's a movie where music is an essential element. To me, that doesn't veer too far from the first film." He added, "In the first film, Arthur has music in him. He has a grace to him."
Phillips also shared a personal anecdote before unveiling the trailer, expressing his gratitude towards theater owners. He mentioned that he had wanted to attend CinemaCon in 2020 solely to thank them, even though he didn't have a film to promote at the time.
"I did want to say thank you to you guys ... about a month before the first Joker came out, the narrative on the film really turned," Phillips recalled, referring to concerns that the film could incite violence. He thanked theater owners for their resilience and support during that time.
In "Joker: Folie à Deux," Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, while Lady Gaga portrays a character reportedly inspired by the comic book figure Harley Quinn. In the comics, these two characters are known for their toxic romantic relationship. The title "Folie à Deux" refers to a medical term describing a mental disorder affecting two or more individuals, often within the same family, who share identical or similar delusions.
The first "Joker" film surprised audiences in 2019 by grossing over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur, an aspiring comedian whose mental health struggles lead him to embrace the Joker persona, resonated with audiences. By the film's conclusion, the Joker has become a folk hero figure, inspiring a riot in Gotham City.
The sequel is set to include musical elements and reunites director Todd Phillips with Lady Gaga, following their collaboration on the music-centric "A Star Is Born" remake.
Phillips had been teasing glimpses of the film, starting with a December 2022 Instagram post featuring Phoenix in character. On Valentine's Day 2023, the first-look at Lady Gaga in character alongside Phoenix was unveiled.
Phillips co-wrote the film with Scott Silver. The Joker sequel is part of the DC Elseworlds brand, which allows for stories set outside of the shared DC Universe. This brand is overseen by DC Studios executives James Gunn and Peter Safran. Other projects under the Elseworlds banner include Matt Reeves' "The Batman Part II" movie and the HBO Max Penguin series.
0 Comments