Joaquin Phoenix Returns as the Joker in "Joker: Folie à Deux" Behind-the-Scenes Photos

Updated on 3/27/2023 at 6:25 PM

At long last, we're finally getting more details about the highly anticipated "Joker" sequel, "Joker: Folie à Deux" — starting with behind-the-scenes photos from the movie's set.

On March 26, new photos of Joaquin Phoenix filming the sequel in New York City emerged, showing a glimpse of the Joker back in action. The images come a day after photos of Lady Gaga — who was officially announced as part of the cast in August 2022 — in the midst of filming appeared, seemingly confirming her rumored role as Harley Quinn. In the pictures, the "Poker Face" singer was seen wearing a red jacket over a white-and-black patterned blouse paired with a black skirt — a much more subtle costume than the one Margot Robbie wore during her time playing the character in "Birds of Prey," "Suicide Squad," and "The Suicide Squad," but still true to the DC character's comic-book roots.

It seems "Joker: Folie à Deux" is in the thick of filming, as the scene Gaga was initially spotted in appears to take place at Manhattan's City Hall with a large crowd. From the looks of the signs carried by some of the extras, people will be calling for the Joker's release after he was seemingly arrested at the end of the first movie. (The film cut to black before an arrest took place, but it appeared imminent.) Meanwhile, additional photos of Gaga in a black fur coat and Phoenix in a brown suit seem to tease another scene being shot in front of a courthouse.

Specifics about the "Joker" sequel are still scarce, but teasers have been slowly revealed in more recent weeks. On Valentine's Day, Warner Bros. shared a first-look photo of Gaga and Phoenix, who plays the titular Joker, locked in an intense embrace, giving us a small glimpse of their love story.

Gaga's involvement with the movie was first teased in June 2022. Though director Todd Phillips played coy about which role the pop star would take on, it's pretty safe to say she's starring as Harley.

"Joker" made quite a splash when it was released in 2019, drawing in a whopping $1.07 billion at the global box office and earning 12 Oscar nominations, with Phoenix taking home the best actor award and Hildur Gudnadóttir snagging a trophy for best original score.

As a result, anticipation for the sequel is understandably high. Read on for everything we know about the "Joker" sequel so far, from the rest of the cast and the release date to more behind-the-scenes photos of Gaga.

— Additional reporting by Eden Arielle Gordon

"Joker 2" First-Look Photos

In December 2022, Phillips revealed that "Joker 2" was in production when he shared the first photo from the sequel. Then, Lady Gaga shared a new first-look photo from the film on Valentine's Day.

"Joker 2" Title

In June 2022, writer and director Phillips shared a photo of "Joker 2"'s script cover on Instagram that revealed the official title of the sequel, "Joker: Folie à Deux."

What Does Folie à Deux Mean?

Folie à deux is a French term for a rare mental disorder that's also known as shared psychotic disorder. According to the National Library of Medicine, folie à deux occurs when the delusion of one patient who suffers from a psychotic disorder is transmitted in its entirety, or in part, to someone else. The condition usually occurs with people who are in close relationships.

"Joker 2" Cast

Will Joaquin Phoenix Play Joker in "Joker 2"?

In August 2022, Variety reported that the forthcoming movie will, indeed, mark Phoenix's return as Joker.

Who Will Play Harley Quinn in "Joker 2"?

On March 25, 2023, new behind-the-scenes photos from the movie's filming appear to confirm that Lady Gaga will be playing a new version of Harley.

Who Else Is in the "Joker 2" Cast?

News on most of the sequel's cast is still forthcoming, but in September 2022, Deadline revealed that veteran actor Brendan Gleeson — who has appeared in "Gangs of New York," the Harry Potter franchise, "Assassin's Creed," and many more films — would be joining the movie, though details on his role have not yet been revealed.

Zazie Beetz is also confirmed to return. Meanwhile, Harry Lawtey, Catherine Keener, and Jacob Lofland have joined the cast in undisclosed roles.

"Joker 2" Plot

The plot details for "Joker 2" are being kept under wraps, and very little is known thus far. However, the teased movie title could offer some insight into the story.

The sequel's title may hint that the Joker will experience this mental disorder alongside his iconic comic-book partner in crime, Harley Quinn. While the first movie delves deep into the psyche of Arthur Fleck and shows his transformation into the violent villain, Joker, the second movie might explore his troubled on-and-off relationship with Harley as they both bring out the worst in each other.

"Joker 2" Release Date

The "Joker" sequel will hit theaters Oct. 4, 2024.

Is "Joker 2" a Musical?

According to reports by The Hollywood Reporter, "Joker 2" is indeed set to be a musical! "Joker" as a musical, strange as it may sound, has a lot going for it.

The 2019 "Joker" movie was a massive success, netting Phoenix the best actor award at the Oscars and ultimately becoming the fourth highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. Phillips has also worked with Lady Gaga before, producing 2018's "A Star Is Born" with Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

And while Phoenix may not seem like the most likely contender for a lead in a movie musical, he has some previous musical experience. He played Johnny Cash in the 2005 biopic "Walk the Line," doing his own singing and playing the guitar for the film. It's not too hard to imagine the Joker singing gritty, angry country ballads in Cash's trademark style, though how that would mesh with Gaga's stratospheric pop vocal chops remains to be seen.