The Joker sequel is really coming together in unexpected ways. It’s been announced that Lady Gaga is in early discussions to say opposite Joaquin Phoenix, while the film is also set to be a musical. A musical.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, the multi-hyphenate talent is in talks to play Harley Quinn, the Joker’s on-off love interest and sidekick. And for a anyone wondering, Gaga’s version of Quinn would exit in a different DC universe than Margot Robbie’s version, who was most recently seen in last year’s The Suicide Squad.
As its early doors, details about Gaga’s involvement are scarce, but the idea of seeing the actress go ham opposite Phoenix is enticing. Not that even Phoenix’s involvement is secure: sources told THR that the actor hasn’t yet finalised a deal to appear in Joker 2, although talks are reportedly progressing.
The Gaga news isn’t even the most intriguing revelation, with sources also saying the sequel is set to be a musical. A musical would be quite the departure from the original Joker, which director Todd Phillips purposefully made into a moody character piece in the mould of Taxi Driver.
A musical would suit pop star Gaga, although Phoenix’s singing chops might need some help. She previously earned acclaim for her role in musical drama A Star Is Born, playing a fledgling singer who falls in love with an alcoholic musician (Bradley Cooper) and becomes a star. And interestingly, one of the producers on A Star Is Born was none other than Phillips.
The news about Gaga means the Joker sequel’s title reveal makes a little more sense now. Last week, Phillips revealed on social media that it was called Joker: Folie à deux, which is a reference to a medical term for a similar mental disorder that affects two or more individuals.
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