Joker Sequel Announces New Cast Members and the Plot Thickens

Joker: Folie à Deux announces its new cast lineup and rumors of the plot surface. The film will star Joaquin Phoenix (Joker), and Lady Gaga (Harley Quinn).

Joker was released in 2019 and is the first film of the franchise. The movie follows Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian burdened with mental illness. His experience of the world’s cruelty leads him into a downward spiral. As a result, Fleck succumbs to his insanity and becomes the Joker, landing himself in Arkham Asylum.

Critics and audiences alike gave rave reviews about the movie, praising it for its cinematography and a surreal performance by Joaquin Phoenix. Many fans believed that Joker would be a stand-alone film, not suspecting any follow-ups to the Clown Prince of Crime’s story. Todd Phillips would later surprise the public by announcing his new film Joker: Folie à Deux.

Joker: Folie à Deux October 4, 2024. Repost: Todd Phillips “Cheek to Cheek. 10.4.24” pic.twitter.com/eyZnHAAunZ

— Joker Movie (@jokermovie) August 4, 2022

There are a lot of rumors and speculation regarding the sequel’s cast and storyline. However, the whole production has been kept under wraps ever since its announcement. Here’s what we know:

 Brendan Gleeson known for his role as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody, will take part in the new Joker movie. Oscar Nominee Catherine Keener (The Adam Project) will also be joining the cast. Golden Globe winner Joaquin Phoenix will be returning as Arthur Fleck, and Zazie Beets is suspected to reprise her role as Sophie Dumond.

Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener and Jacob Lofland have all been revealed as members of the cast of the upcoming #Joker sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’.

Read the ‘Joker’ (2019) review: https://t.co/uiMFjkUTjD

News per @THR pic.twitter.com/Jaoi7UiPi9

— The Film Magazine (@thefilmagazine) September 14, 2022

In addition, the plot of Joker: Folie à Deux is claimed to be centered around Fleck’s admission to Arkham Asylum. The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Jacob Lofland (Maze Runner: The Death Cure) might be starring an inmate at the mental institution. In the comics, the Joker tends to gain loyal henchmen that follow his every word. While Lofland’s role may be a mystery, we can suspect that he might be one of Joker’s followers who desire to cause chaos in the world. 

Known for her pop discography and acting in recent films, Lady Gaga (House Of Gucci) is confirmed to be playing DC’s iconic character, Harley Quinn. 

Quinn’s origin story is one filled with tragedy. She was once a Ph.D. psychiatrist assigned to treat the Joker in Arkham. Naturally, the Joker would eventually manipulate her into breaking him out of confinement, leading her to become Harley Quinn.

There have been many adaptations of Harley Quinn and the Joker’s relationship. But a common thread that ties them together is the Joker’s manipulation and abuse of Quinn. 

The movie’s title: Joker: Folie à Deux hints at what their relationship might be like. According to the National Library of Medicine, Folie à Deux is a shared delusion between multiple people. The article describes the phenomenon as an “impressive example of a pathological relationship.” This rare occurrence can happen between siblings, romantic couples, and family members.

Therefore, the upcoming sequel will most likely depict a shared psychosis between the Joker and Quinn, adapting their relationship in a unique way.

On top of that, there have also been rumors about the film’s production. The new Joker movie is suspected to be a musical told from Harley Quinn’s perspective. Her love for the maniacal clown is thought to be revealed through theatrical songs and choreography. 

#JOKER FOLIE A DEUX: New rumor points to Gaga’s character having a much bigger role than originally reported, with the story playing out entirely from her perspective.

Apparently, Harley “sees her relationship with the Joker” through musical sequences. pic.twitter.com/Il5VoxLiIA

— Lady Gaga Views (@LG_Views) September 14, 2022

Details of the film remain an ongoing mystery. As fans wait for the Joker: Folie à Deux to be released on October 24 of 2024, they can stream the Golden Globe-winning Joker film on HBO Max here. Fans can watch the teaser of the upcoming film Joker: Folie à Deux below.