‘Joker 2’ Trailer: Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix Embrace Chaotic Romance in Gripping First Look

The iconic duo of the Clown Prince of Crime and Harley Quinn sends a bold message in the debut trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux. Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, teaming up with Lady Gaga’s equally twisted Harley Quinn to preach the importance of love.

Joker: Folie à Deux New Trailer Showcases Todd Phillips’ Brilliance

The somber and intense scenes kick off at Arkham Asylum, where Joker is incarcerated following the events of the previous film. Arthur Fleck has an unsettling “meet cute” with another inmate (none other than Gaga’s Harley Quinn). Their chance encounter sparks a plan to escape their confines and venture into the world outside. Their journey leads them to the chaotic streets of Gotham, where they engage in frenzied dances and whirl around the cityscape.

“I’m nobody. I haven’t accomplished anything in my life like you have,” Harley Quinn gestures, mimicking a gun with her hand and pretending to shoot herself in the head as she speaks to Joker.

In the first film, we witnessed the moody origin tale of the Joker, portrayed as Arthur Fleck, a struggling stand-up comedian and occasional clown. Now, in the sequel, he expands his act, performing on various stages alongside Harley Quinn, who serves as his twisted inspiration. Despite his troubled past, in this cinematic journey, Joker appears less isolated, finding a companion in Harley.

“I’ll tell you what’s changed,” Arthur states in the new Joker: Folie à Deux trailer. “I’m not alone anymore.”

Director Todd Phillips unveiled the Joker: Folie à Deux trailer at CinemaCon, the yearly gathering for cinema proprietors. Despite the initial portrayal of the 2019 “Joker” as a standalone film, Phillips revealed that he and Phoenix had always discussed the possibility of a sequel.

“We loved the character of Arthur too much, but we didn’t want to jinx the movie,” Phillips commented. “We cast Gaga because she’s magic.”

New Sequel Details Coming Soon

Details regarding the plot of the sequel are scarce, but reports suggest it will be a jukebox musical. Phillips clarified that while this label isn’t entirely accurate, the film will include numerous song and dance sequences.

“Music is an essential element,” says Phillips. “It doesn’t veer too far from the first film.”

Joker soared to immense success, grossing $1 billion globally, a groundbreaking achievement for an R-rated film. It received 11 Oscar nominations. In addition to Best Picture, it won two awards: Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix and Original Score for Hildur Guðnadóttir.

The movie is set to hit theaers on October 4, 2024, precisely five years after the release of its predecessor. The original film had a relatively modest budget of $62.5 million. However, the sequel has been allocated a significantly larger budget of $200 million. It is also a reflection of the immense financial triumph of its predecessor.

Joker: Folie à Deux new trailer was unveiled during Warner Bros.’ presentation to exhibitors. Their 2024 slate also includes Beetlejuice 2, Horizon: An American Saga, and the Mad Max prequel Furiosa.

Featured Image Via Warner Bros. Pictures