A movie only about Batman’s arch-nemesis the Joker? Who would want to see that? Much less pay for it? Turns out, a lot of people wanted to pay for Joker, making it among the highest-grossing R-rated movies ever. Not only that, but the film was met with accolades far beyond what’s expected from comic books, winning two Academy Awards including one for Best Actor. Those are big shoes to fill, and director Todd Phillips is taking a big swing at doing so with Joker: Folie À Deux.
Joaquin Phoenix is back as Arthur Fleck, who finds himself locked away at Arkham Asylum, where he meets his partner-in-crime/lover, Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga. Zazie Beetz returns as Sophie Dumond, while Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, Steve Coogan, and Ken Jeong are new to the franchise.
SYNOPSIS: “Joker: Folie À Deux” finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.
No, it’s not a full-blown musical as we thought initially. But Phillips does say there will be extensive musical numbers, which should be wild given the derangement of Joker and Harley Quinn as captured in the score by composer Hildur Guðnadóttir.
Joker: Folie À Deux opens on October 4th.
