Director Todd Phillips' divisive, genre-busting sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga combines superhero themes with musical sequences.
Warner Bros. has its work cut out for it before Todd Phillips‘ divisive sequel Joker: Folie à Deux opens in North American theaters three weeks from now.
The movie starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga is tracking for a domestic opening of $70 million-plus, at least $10 million behind tracking for the first Joker, which went on to shatter records in launching to $96.2 million domestically in 2019. Prerelease tracking is hardly an exact science, and numerous movies of late have opened well ahead of predictions.
But there’s no question that Joker 2 has raised eyebrows, and earned mixed reviews, for its genre-busting storyline after making its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Rarely does one see a film described as a “crime drama musical thriller” on IMDb, possibly confusing the everyday superhero fan.
The first Joker was both an awards and commercial success, with Phoenix winning the Oscar for best actor for his portrayal of the menacing Arthur Fleck/Joker and the film earning north of $1 billion at the worldwide box office.
In the follow-up, Phoenix returns in the titular role, while Gaga joins the cast in a part inspired by the comic book character Harley Quinn. The duo are known for their toxic romantic relationship in the comics, with the title Folie à Deux referencing the medical term for an identical or similar mental disorder impacting two or more people. The film’s supporting cast includes Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener and Zazie Beetz.
Phillips and Phoenix had no interest in making a traditional sequel and prerequisites included that Joker 2 “had to feel audacious” and “like we were really swinging for the fences,” Philips said at a press conference in Venice, where he was flanked by his two lead actors. They explained the sequel hinged on the notion of leaning more heavily into the musical world that occupies Arthur Fleck’s warped and cracked mind.
Warners’ official synopsis of the film reads: “Joker: Folie à Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as the Joker. While grappling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love but also discovers the music that has always been within him.”
While there are plenty of musical sequences, Joker 2 is not traditional musical — a point that the studio’s marketing team will have to navigate carefully so as to not leave consumers confused.
