As the box office milestone of $1 billion for the 2019 blockbuster "Joker" paved the way for a sequel, director Todd Phillips and lead actor Joaquin Phoenix had already embarked on devising a follow-up narrative, even before wrapping up production on the original. Their masterpiece, "Joker: Folie à Deux," is poised to make its debut at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, followed by a nationwide release in October, promising a return of the dynamic duo alongside the captivating addition of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. This time around, they've taken a daring leap into the realm of musicals, adding a fresh dimension to the Joker's already extensive repertoire.
In a recent tête-à-tête with Empire magazine, Phillips and Phoenix divulged the rationale behind this unconventional genre choice amidst other possibilities that lingered in the background. "Throughout the making of the first film, Joaquin and I incessantly discussed crafting another chapter, fueled by our unwavering admiration for the character," Phillips reminisced. "Arthur captivated us to the point of obsession. We'd even jest about embarking on wild adventures with him, saying, 'Let's take Arthur and see where this leads us.'"
Phoenix's fascination with Arthur's musical endeavors stemmed from a profound curiosity about exploring the character's infinite possibilities and how he would adapt to unconventional scenarios. Drawing inspiration from cinematic classics of yesteryear, the Academy Award-winning actor envisioned Arthur in a myriad of settings, remarking, "I was intrigued by pushing the boundaries with the character. I envisioned him in any given situation and was eager to observe his unique navigation. I even created mock posters, placing Joker in iconic films like 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Godfather,' presenting them to Todd as a testament to my imagination."
While some of these conceptual musings held serious potential, others were purely whimsical, as Phoenix confessed, "One running gag was, 'How about Joker in space?' But truthfully, I was captivated by the endless avenues Arthur's journey could take."
Despite their enthusiasm for this unconventional musical turn, Phillips admits to trepidation about audience reception, acknowledging, "This isn't a guaranteed sequel; it's a risky endeavor. And that's precisely what makes it exhilarating for us."
As "Joker: Folie à Deux" prepares to captivate audiences at the Venice Film Festival before its grand theatrical release in October, it stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and daring vision of Phillips, Phoenix, and their exceptional cast.
