Warner Bros. Pictures released the Joker: Folie à Deux teaser trailer. The first Joker movie was divisive but well-received due primarily to Joaquin Phoenix’s (Napoleon, Beau Is Afraid) charismatic and sympathetic performance. Now, with the sequel labeled a musical, it presents a shift from the first film. But it’s not quite so much a stretch, given Joker’s penchant for dance. In that context, Joker: Folie à Deux transitioning to song and dance seems the logical next step.
Written by Todd Phillips, Scott Silver, and Bob Kane and directed by Phillips (War Dogs, The Hangover), it’s hard to discern from the Joker: Folie à Deux teaser where reality ends and Joker’s imaginative visions begin. Oddly, the choice of an instrumental opening for the song “What the World Needs Now is Love” works amazingly well. Because it gives the juxtaposition of an incarcerated Joker a haunting quality.
And, since it’s a musical and there’s love in the air, Joker found someone. Enter Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born, House of Gucci) as Harley Quinn. Lady Gaga may have an uphill battle given Margot Robbie’s commanding performance of the character. But it also looks like Gaga’s Quinn will take a different style.
Moreover, other impressive names are attached to the film, including Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2, Nine Days) making a return. In addition, there is Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin, In Bruges) and Catherine Keener (Get Out, Incredibles 2). Whatever the case, it’s guaranteed from the last scene in the Joker: Folie à Deux teaser that more chilling Joker smiles are on the way in this Batman universe sans Batman.
What do you think of the teaser?
Joker: Folie à Deux releases in theaters on October 4!
