Unphased by the shake-ups at DC Studios, Joker: Folie à Deux is shooting now, with Todd Phillips back at the camera and Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix again as Arthur Fleck. And thanks to Phillips, we have our first look at the anticipated sequel, which takes place within the confines of Arkham Asylum.
The image shows Fleck getting a close shave while imprisoned at Arkham Asylum, the place where Gotham City sends its worst, and most insane, criminals. In Joker, Fleck was responsible for causing an uprising of the city’s most marginalized…after he murdered a talk show host on-air, of course.
Also in the film will be Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel aka Harley Quinn, and hopefully, we get a look at her soon. In the comics, she is a psychiatrist who finds that her brand of crazy matches Joker’s, and the two fall in love. Expect something similar to unfold on the big screen. Zazie Beetz returns as Arthur’s neighbor, Sophie Dumond, while Catherine Keener, Brendan Gleeson, Harry Lawtey, and Jacob Lofland also have roles that are being kept a secret.
This time around, Phillips is adding musical elements to the film which could change the tone somewhat. But considering Joker earned 12 Oscar nominations and made over $1B billion at the box office, I don’t expect too much will be different.
Joker: Folie à Deux opens October 4th 2024.