Ever since it became clear that Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker sequel was going to have something of a musical twist, we’ve all been wondering: how the hell is that going to work? Will it be full-on razzle-dazzle? What sort of songs are we talking here? And how will it sound when Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck goes from attempting to crack jokes, to attempting to sing a showtune? Now, the latest Joker: Folie À Deux trailer offers some answers – not only giving us a greater look at the bad romance brewing between Arthur and Lady Gaga’s Harley ‘Lee’ Quinn, but teasing some of their singing too. Give it a watch here:
While few would have predicted this musical director for a Joker sequel, it looks like Phillips has another strong vision for what he wants Folie À Deux to be – and that includes his lead characters singing already-established tunes like ‘When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)’ and ‘Get Happy’, presented as musical flights of fancy in the otherwise grim Gotham. Narratively, this one follows in the aftermath of Arthur’s televised murder of talk show host Murray Franklin, interrogating the symbol that Joker has since become – and seeing Arthur go on trial for his misdeeds. But he finds a partner in crime (in many senses) with Lee, ready to step into his imagined world of clownish escapism.
Here’s the official synopsis: “Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that's always been inside him.” Beyond Phoenix and Gaga, the film also stars Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and a returning Zazie Beetz.
Will Folie À Deux prove to be another billion-dollar box office hit like its predecessor? How many songs can we expect on the soundtrack? And will audiences be along for the ride once Joker starts singing his heart out? We’ll find out when Joker: Folie À Deux hits UK cinemas on 2 October.