As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for superhero movies and a knack for spotting trends, I can’t help but feel a tinge of excitement about the upcoming release of Joker: Folie à Deux. Having grown up on DC comics and their iconic villains, this sequel promises to deliver an intriguing narrative that dives deeper into the psyche of one of my all-time favorites – the Joker.
The arch-nemesis of DC Comics has made an appearance at the Venice Film Festival. Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix, and Lady Gaga walked the red carpet together on Wednesday, discussing the production of Warner Bros’ eagerly awaited sequel Joker: Two Crazies in Love. The team is currently in Italy, aiming to replicate the success of the first Joker film, which started when it received the highly esteemed Golden Lion at Venice in 2019 – a remarkable achievement for a Hollywood superhero movie. The film eventually grossed over $1 billion globally and earned Phoenix an Academy Award for best actor
At a crowded press event in Italy, Phillips expressed his satisfaction about returning to Venice for the premiere of his sequel, saying it feels right. However, he admitted that creating the sequel and presenting it at the world’s first film festival had left him feeling more anxious
“He pointed out that it’s generally less difficult to enter a situation as a challenger rather than an established authority. He also noted that there’s a stronger feeling of apprehension when dealing with something for the second time.”
As a die-hard fan, I’d rephrase it this way: Phillips shared that he and his leading man, Phoenix, often bantered on set while filming the original Joker. They mused about how their work might lead to a typical Hollywood superhero series follow-up. However, they eventually agreed to reunite for a sequel, but only if it was daring and pushed the boundaries, as Phillips put it, “It had to feel audacious, like we were truly aiming for the stars.” The director questioned whether we could create something unconventional, much like the first film, even though it’s a sequel
In the upcoming movie “Joker 2,” Phoenix once again takes on the character of Arthur Fleck, while Lady Gaga enters the franchise as a portrayal of the comic book figure Harley Quinn. Known for their turbulent romantic bond in the comics, this film, titled “Folie à Deux,” is inspired by the medical term for a mental disorder shared by two or more individuals, often family members. The supporting cast includes Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz
Phillips and Phoenix discussed their plans for the sequel, emphasizing a focus on deepening the musical aspect within Arthur Fleck’s fractured mind. At the initial press conference, Phillips mentioned that the concept was sparked by a dream shared by Phoenix – however, the enigmatic actor initially refused to elaborate on it in front of the media. Later, he reluctantly provided some insights, stating, “I had this dream where I was portraying the Joker through songs, and I just reached out to Todd because I felt there might be potential there – but as it turned out, there wasn’t,” he admitted, with Phillips nodding and chuckling next to him
At the press conference, Lady Gaga, who is known as Stephanie by Phillips and Phoenix, expressed that collaborating with Phoenix was effortless. She added, “I genuinely enjoyed working with him, and it was a unique experience unlike any other I’ve had with another actor. He’s exceptionally easy-going and uninhibited.”
The official summary of the film, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” portrays Arthur Fleck being confined in Arkham Asylum, facing trial for his Joker-related offenses. During this period, he navigates his complex identity while unexpectedly finding love and unearthing a hidden talent for music within himself
On Wednesday morning in Venice, the film held its initial press screenings, sparking conversation among local cinema-goers. They’ve been raving about John Gallagher Jr.’s intense and unsettling portrayal as the main character, along with his striking weight loss, and the movie’s grandiose musical scenes, masterfully directed by Lady Gaga
In 2018, when we initially produced “Joker”, we never anticipated it would resonate so deeply with global audiences, writes Phillips in his official Venice film fest director’s statement for “Joker 2”. “Joaquin and I had casually discussed a sequel, but not seriously – until we saw the response to Arthur’s tale. If we were going to proceed, we knew we had to aim high; we wanted to create something as bold and daring as Joker himself. So, Scott Silver and I penned a script that delved deeper into the concept of identity. Who is Arthur Fleck? And where does the music within him originate from?”
For fans finding it hard to follow the continuous flow of superhero movies from Hollywood, it’s worth noting that the Joker sequel belongs to the DC Elseworlds line, a category where tales can be told independently of the main DC Universe being developed by DC Studios leaders James Gunn and Peter Safran. Matt Reeves’ “The Batman 2” film and the HBO Max “Penguin” series are also included in this category
Joker 2 releases in North America on Oct. 4.
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2024-09-04 15:49