After Joker (2019) Raked in $1 Billion, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Has a Genius Release Strategy Up Its Sleeve That Could Easily Break the First Film’s Record – Report
- 2019's Joker was the highest grossing R-rated film until recently and its sequel seems to be aiming for a similar feat.
- Joker: Folie à Deux will reportedly have a domestic IMAX release four days prior to its worldwide theatrical release.
- Lady Gaga's performance as Harley Quinn is going to be as good as Joaquin Phoenix's, if not more.
The Joker might be a villain, but his fan-following could even give some of the heroes a run for their money. The DC character has a fanbase of his own and has been portrayed by some of the best actors in Hollywood. Although Heath Ledger’s version of him remains one of the most beloved ones, Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the character in the 2019 movie emerged to be just as brilliant if not more.
Luckily for fans, Phoenix is returning as the iconic character soon and the wait is finally coming to an end. In fact, some reports suggest that the sequel Joker: Folie à Deux‘s release might happen sooner than it appears. However, that will not be for everyone.
Joker: Folie à Deux Might Arrive in Theaters Sooner Than You Think
Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role, followed Arthur Fleck, an aspiring stand-up comedian, who descended into mental illness and nihilism. This led to him starting a countercultural revolution against the wealthy people in Gotham city which is rapidly heading towards decay.
Directed by Todd Phillips, the psychological thriller also featured Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Frances Conroy. Not only did it garner critical praise but also became a commercial hit as it grossed over $1 billion and held the position of the highest-grossing R-rated film for five years until Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine took over the record.
However, the Joker sequel seems to be aiming high and might just defeat Deadpool & Wolverine to take over that position if recent reports about its release are anything to go by. Feature First has reported that the movie will debut domestically in IMAX theatres four days earlier than the film’s initial wide release.
The movie will premiere at the 81st Venice Film Festival on September 4. Following this, it was originally scheduled to be released worldwide on October 4. Now, there seems to be a change in plan with reports suggesting that it will be released in domestic IMAX theatres four days before its worldwide release. However, there has been no official announcement so this news has to be taken with a pinch of salt or spice, if you will.
The Newest Cast Member is Going to Leave Fans Enthralled
While the original cast is returning for the sequel, the most exciting addition to the cast is undoubtedly Lady Gaga, who portrays Arthur’s love interest Harley Quinn in the film. The songstress previously portrayed one of the lead characters in the film A Star is Born, which left viewers mesmerized.
According to Francine Maisler, the casting director of Joker: Folie à Deux, Gaga’s performance is going to leave fans surprised in the best way (via ComicBook.com). She said:
I will tell you, she’s really surprising — and really good. I saw it and I was really surprised. I mean, we all knew what she could do in A Star is Born, but I thought, ‘Oh, well, that’s kind of in her wheelhouse.’ Something she could do and just be real. But this… Man, she’s good.
Maisler further said that Phoenix’s performance is obviously good, but Gaga has not only kept up with that brilliance but also proved that she has what it takes to be a great actress. She also revealed that Gaga was director Todd Phillips’ choice before she gave a heads-up for the casting. That said, fans can also stay assured that this movie is not going to be a musical even though that is the kind of vibe that the teasers are giving off about it.
