Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for Joker: Folie a Deux. This is the long-awaited sequel to 2019’s Joker, which went on to become an unexpected smash hit for DC. Now, Joaquin Phoenix is back as Arthur Fleck. But this time, he’s not alone because he’s got Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn with him. It looks like a bigger, crazier ride filled with music, murder and chaos. Check it out.
The trailer doesn’t reveal too much of the story. We see Arthur still in prison at Arkham Asylum, where he ended the first film. But there, he meets Gaga’s Harley, who seems to be an inmate. This is a big change as she was originally a psychologist who fell in love with The Joker and turned to a life of crime. It seems like much of what we’re seeing is dream sequences, but it’s a little tough to tell. There are various dance numbers, which hints at the fact that the sequel is actually a musical. It looks very different from what we saw in the first installment.
The trailer made its premiere at CinemaCon in Las Vegas before going live online. Director Todd Phillips was on hand. He was asked about it being a musical, which has been speculated about lot online. “I like to say it’s a movie where music is an essential element,” Phillips said. “It doesn’t veer too far from the first film. Arthur has music in him. He has a grace to him.”
Warner Bros. has yet to release an official synopsis for the sequel. They are keeping story details very close to the chest. Phillips and Phoenix had discussed making a sequel during the production of the first Joker. However, they didn’t fully commit to the idea until the first one became a breakout success. The pandemic also slowed things down quite a bit, which is why there will be a five-year gap between the films.
Joker was a massive success, taking in more than $1 billion against a $62 million budget. Phoenix also won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck. The sequel has a much larger budget, said to be in the $200 million range. As a result, Warner Bros. needs this one to be a big hit as well.
Joker: Folie a Deux is set to hit theaters on October 4.
What do you think? Do you dig the trailer? Do you like Lady Gaga’s take on Harley Quinn? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
