We’ve had less than a week to adjust to the reality of a sequel to Joker, Todd Phillips’ gritty, Joaquin-Phoenix-starring, alternate-universe take on the Batman villain—and now there’s more. And it’s a big, dramatic kind of more: The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Lady Gaga is in talks to join the movie as Harley Quinn.
Also, it’s a musical.
Really, they should’ve kept that second part under wraps: Imagine the astonishment on the faces of audiences showing up to Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux only to find it opening with a nice introductory song, something like Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s “Going Through the Motions.” I would’ve almost wanted to see that.
These are, as noted, early talks, and THR also points out that even Phoenix’s involvement isn’t absolutely certain yet: Warner Bros. “has yet to close a deal with the actor, with the two sides deep into it.”
One can only imagine that Gaga’s Harley would be as different from the other current Harleys as Phoenix’s Joker is from Heath Ledger (or The Batman‘s barely seen Joker, Barry Keoghan). The casting would mark a reunion of sorts for Gaga and Phillips, who produced the 2018 A Star Is Born in which she starred.
The first Joker won two Oscars, including a Best Actor statue for Phoenix. Maybe this is Gaga’s time at the Academy Awards podium?
There’s no word on when Joker: Folie à Deux will film or release.
