“Joker 2: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the acclaimed film “Joker,” is set to premiere this week featuring performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.
Joaquin Phoenix will once again take on the role of Arthur Fleck, also known as The Joker. Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, referred to as Harleen Quinzel in this installment.
The premiere date for “Joker 2: Folie à Deux” is Friday, October 4, 2024. However, moviegoers in some locations, including Louisville, have the option to purchase tickets through Cinemark and AMC Theaters for a screening a day earlier.
The primary cast includes Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, while Lady Gaga brings her iconic musical background and acting credits, including roles in “A Star Is Born” and “House of Gucci,” to the character of Harley Quinn.
In this sequel, Arthur Fleck stands trial for the crimes depicted in the original 2019 film, with the introduction of Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn as his love interest. The film incorporates musical elements, allowing characters to break into song, though some reviews have criticized these musical numbers as lackluster.
The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a mixed response but was notably applauded with an 11-minute standing ovation. It currently holds a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a decline from the original film’s score of 69%.
Critics’ reactions have varied significantly. Some praise the film as brilliant and imaginative, while others argue that it tends to rehash familiar territory and fails to capitalize on Gaga’s talents. Reviews describe the movie as lacking in narrative substance and showcase Gaga’s role as being insufficiently highlighted, with some calling the film dull or laborious.
In an exciting development, Lady Gaga announced a surprise companion album for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” titled “Harlequin,” which was released concurrently with the film’s premiere. The album cover features Gaga in a provocative pose, and early hints indicate that it may include covers of songs that appear in the film, adding another layer of anticipation for fans.
This collaboration follows Gaga’s success on the soundtrack for “A Star Is Born,” further solidifying her dual capacity as a musician and actress.