'Joker 2' trailer unveils Lady Gaga-Joaquin Phoenix's descent into madness
What's the story
After tantalizing fans with posters for months, the first trailer teaser for the hotly-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Joker, titled Joker: Folie à Deux, has finally been released.
The clip features Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck, who transforms into Batman's notorious enemy, the Joker.
Lady Gaga is introduced as Harley Quinn, another deeply troubled character.
The setting of the trailer is Arkham Asylum, where the Joker was last seen in the previous film.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Directed by Todd Phillips—who also co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver—the upcoming musical psychological thriller is scheduled to grace theaters on October 4.
Originally conceived as a standalone film with no sequels, the 2019 Joker unexpectedly paved the way for Warner Bros.'s ambitious DC Black initiative.
This initiative aims to explore darker and more experimental narratives within the DC Comics universe, diverging from the traditional DC Extended Universe (DCEU) franchise.
Asylum plot
Trailer: Joker isn't alone anymore!
In the trailer, Arthur is seen having a chilling interaction with Harley—another patient at Arkham Asylum.
The two characters conspire to escape their confines and face the world beyond the asylum walls.
This sequel presents Joker taking his show on the road with Harley as his unhinged muse.
"I'll tell you what's changed," Joker proclaims in the trailer, "I'm not alone anymore."
True to that, Arthur and Harley ensure to elevate the chaos and madness to new heights.
Twitter Post
How can you even miss this trailer?
Joker: Folie à Deux
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) April 10, 2024
Only in theaters October 4. 🃏 pic.twitter.com/stUjgKpOLd
Sequel insights
Director Phillips discussed sequel's development
The trailer was first unveiled at the ongoing CinemaCon by Phillips.
He revealed that he and Phoenix had always contemplated a sequel, stating, "We loved the character of Arthur too much, but we didn't want to jinx the [original] movie."
Phillips also shared his enthusiasm for casting Gaga as Harley, describing her as "magic."
Gaga and Phoenix aside, the cast includes Zazie Beetz (from the first film) and newcomers Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lotte.
Musical influence
'Joker 2' drew comparisons to 'La La Land'
Believe it or not, the online community has drawn comparisons between Folie à Deux and Damien Chazelle's 2016 romantic musical La La Land, due to the sequel's focus on music and dance.
Some users on X/Twitter have even dubbed the trailer as "La La Land for insane people."
One particularly striking scene depicted the two protagonists engaging in a ballroom dance atop a rooftop against the backdrop of Hotel Arkham, reminiscent of the iconic moments from Ryan Gosling-Emma Stone's film.