Months ago, whispers began to swirl about Todd Phillips' visionary sequel to "Joker" – a daring venture into the realm of musical theater. This revelation ignited equal measures of curiosity and bewilderment among audiences. Yet, as we inch closer to the film's release, accompanied by a captivating trailer, the concept gradually takes on a newfound clarity. Not only are we anticipating "Joker: Folie à Deux" to be a musical masterpiece, but it also marks a poignant farewell from the filmmaker himself.
In a candid conversation with Variety, Phillips unveiled the genesis of this unconventional sequel and teased what lies in store for fans in his DC cinematic swan song. Surprisingly, the musical idea germinated from Joaquin Phoenix's own dreamscape, where his iconic character, Arthur Fleck, danced and sang on stage with abandon. Enthralled by Phoenix's vision, the duo embarked on an exploratory journey, initially contemplating a Broadway extravaganza. However, the path was fraught with challenges.
"As we delved deeper, we stumbled upon a harsh reality: crafting such a spectacle takes a staggering four years," Phillips lamented. "And could Joaquin truly dedicate six months of his life to performing night after night? We even toyed with the idea of a more intimate production at the Carlyle, but then COVID-19 struck, altering our course irrevocably."
Thus, "Joker: Folie à Deux" evolved into a cinematic spectacle, where Fleck finds solace in song and dance alongside Lady Gaga's enigmatic portrayal of Harley Quinn, simply named Lee. With its world premiere just days away at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, and a global theatrical release looming in the near future, early projections suggest this film is poised to become another colossal triumph for Phillips. (Recall, the predecessor held the title of the highest-grossing R-rated film until "Deadpool & Wolverine" narrowly usurped it.)
Yet, amidst the impending triumph, Phillips signals a definitive end to his journey in Gotham City. "It's been a thrilling adventure crafting these two films, but we've said all we needed to in this universe," he confessed. Now, the world awaits with bated breath to see if this final chapter of the "Joker" saga will resonate with fans, sealing its place as a beloved conclusion. "Joker: Folie à Deux" storms into theaters on October 4, promising a theatrical experience unlike any other.
