The 2019 film Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, left a lasting impact on viewers and critics alike. It was a bold, disturbing, and nuanced character study of Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix), a struggling man with mental health issues who ultimately transforms into Gotham’s infamous villain, the Joker. With its intense storytelling, haunting performance by Phoenix, and thought-provoking themes of social injustice and mental illness, Joker became a cultural phenomenon. The film grossed over a billion dollars worldwide and won multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Phoenix’s portrayal of the iconic character.
Given its success, it’s no surprise that a sequel has been announced: Joker: Folie à Deux. The sequel is highly anticipated, but what exactly can audiences expect from this follow-up to a film that was not initially planned to be part of a franchise? Let’s delve into the connections between Joker and its sequel and explore what Joker 2 might have in store for viewers.
A Standalone That Became a Franchise
The 2019 Joker was originally conceived as a standalone film. It wasn’t part of the larger DC Extended Universe (DCEU), nor was it intended to connect to the various Batman films or any other superhero narrative. Instead, it was an intimate, grounded look at how societal neglect and personal trauma can turn an ordinary man into a monster. The film’s success, both commercially and critically, made it clear that audiences wanted more of this version of the Joker.
This standalone success, coupled with the cultural resonance of Phoenix’s Joker, opened the door for a sequel. However, a challenge arises in continuing a story that was seemingly complete in itself. The original Joker ended with Arthur Fleck fully embracing his new identity as the Joker, but what could possibly come next?
Joker 2: Folie à Deux – What Does the Title Suggest?
The title of the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, offers some clues about the direction in which the story might head. In French, “folie à deux” translates to “madness shared by two,” which refers to a rare psychiatric syndrome where delusional beliefs or hallucinations are transmitted from one individual to another. This concept immediately opens the possibility of another significant character joining Arthur Fleck on his journey, most notably, Harley Quinn.
Harley Quinn’s Role in Joker 2?
Harley Quinn is a character that has been synonymous with the Joker in popular culture, both in comic books and other media adaptations. While Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey has been well received, Joker: Folie à Deux seems to be taking a different route, with Lady Gaga reportedly cast in the role of this new iteration of Harley Quinn.
The inclusion of Harley Quinn in the Joker’s story is not just a fan service. The concept of folie à deux suggests that the sequel will dive deep into the twisted, codependent relationship between these two iconic characters. However, given the tone and style of the first Joker film, it’s likely that this version of Harley Quinn will not be the eccentric, playful anti-hero fans are used to, but rather a darker, more psychologically complex character.
Just as Joker offered a realistic, gritty portrayal of how Arthur Fleck became the Joker, Folie à Deux could show how Harley Quinn’s transformation unfolds. Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist who falls in love with the Joker and eventually becomes his accomplice, is a tragic figure in her own right. If the sequel explores her descent into madness alongside the Joker, it could provide a fascinating counterbalance to Arthur Fleck’s own journey in the first film.
Musical Elements: A New Dimension to the Madness?
One of the most surprising announcements about Joker 2 is that it is rumored to be a musical. While the idea of turning a dark psychological drama into a musical might seem bizarre at first, it’s an intriguing creative choice that could add layers of complexity to the story. Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix have shown that they are not afraid to take risks, and a musical could be a way to further differentiate the sequel from the original.
Music played a significant role in the first film, with iconic scenes like Arthur dancing on the stairs becoming instantly recognizable. In Joker: Folie à Deux, the musical format could serve as a way to delve deeper into the characters’ psyches. The notion of “madness shared by two” could manifest through surreal musical numbers, blurring the line between reality and delusion. A musical format would allow for a heightened, almost operatic portrayal of Arthur and Harley’s relationship, illustrating their shared descent into chaos.
What About Gotham?
The city of Gotham was a major character in Joker. It represented a society on the brink of collapse, a city where the underprivileged were ignored, and civil unrest was brewing. Arthur Fleck’s actions at the end of the first film ignited a violent uprising in Gotham, which was symbolically linked to the Joker’s emergence.
In Joker 2, it is likely that Gotham will remain central to the story. The city, now in a state of turmoil, could serve as the backdrop for the Joker and Harley Quinn’s further descent into madness. However, the focus of the sequel is expected to remain on the characters’ inner journeys rather than expanding into a typical superhero-villain conflict.
There is also speculation that Bruce Wayne, who was a child in the first Joker film, might make an appearance in the sequel, though this has not been confirmed. If so, this would continue to build the parallel narrative between the rise of the Joker and the eventual emergence of Batman, though Joker has deliberately distanced itself from traditional superhero storytelling.
Viewer Expectations: Dark, Unpredictable, and Intense
Fans of the original Joker film are likely expecting more of the intense, raw storytelling that defined the first movie. However, Joker: Folie à Deux is shaping up to be different from its predecessor in several key ways. The inclusion of Harley Quinn, the musical elements, and the psychological exploration of folie à deux suggest that this film will not simply be a rehash of the original.
Instead, viewers should brace themselves for a unique cinematic experience that further explores themes of madness, identity, and societal collapse. Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Phillips have already shown that they are willing to push boundaries, and Joker 2 seems poised to continue that trend.
In conclusion, Joker: Folie à Deux is shaping up to be an ambitious and bold sequel, offering new insights into the character of the Joker while introducing Harley Quinn into this dark, twisted world. Fans can expect a film that is both familiar and unpredictable, expanding on the psychological depths of its characters while taking creative risks that could set it apart from traditional sequels.
