The recent release of theJoker: Folie à Deuxtrailer has a lot of fans buzzing over the highly anticipated sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 hit. With the film making its premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival later this August, festival chief Alberto Barbera is further adding to the hype, calling Phillips’ sequel one of the most"daring films in recent American cinema.“Starring Joaquin Phoenix as Jokerand Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn,Joker: Folie à Deuxis set to release here in the United States on August 07, 2025.
In a recent interview withDeadline, Barbera sat down to discuss the upcoming festival and what people can expect from some of their offerings this year, which – in addition toJoker: Folie à Deux– will seethe world premiere ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuice; Daniel Craig’s historical romance,Queer;A24’sBabygirl;and the incomparable Tilda Swinton’sThe Room Next Door.When asked if he thought thatJoker: Folie à Deuxis darker than the 2019 film, Barbera didn’t hesitate to respond, saying that it is, but not in the way fans might expect.
“It is. It’s a continuation of the story but the film is completely different from the first film. If you’re expecting the same in terms of violence or other things, you’ll be surprised. When I saw the film in L.A. at the beginning of February there were four or five of us in the screening room, including writer Scott Silver, and we were astonished, our mouths were open at the end of the screening. It is a darker film.”
Joker: Folie a Deux
Joker: Folie à Deux is the sequel to Todd Phillips' critically acclaimed comic book thriller Joker. Reprising his Academy Award-winning performance as the failed comedian Arthur Fleck, Joaquin Phoenix revisits the iconic DC character alongside Lady Gaga, who makes her debut as Joker’s lover Harley Quinn in this standalone continuity of the DC Universe.
The festival chief went even further when the subject of the film being a musical came up, saying that yes, it is that, but unlike what people might be used to from the genre, this one is a"dystopian musical.“It was then that he gave the film some of the highest praise he could:
It’s a dystopian musical, or a musical of sorts. I think it’s one of the most daring, brave and creative films in recent American cinema. And I think it really confirms Todd Phillips as one of the most creative directors working at the moment.
Are Fans Ready for Joker: Folie à Deux?
While the teaser trailer forJoker: Folie à Deuxthat was released back in April hada lot of fans praising the new sequel(especially that last shot of the lipstick on the glass), one had to wonder what the reaction to the full trailer would be like, as it clearly revealed more of the film’s plot and musical elements. Would it truly “give the people what they want?” The answer, so far, has been a resounding yes!
Reactions on social media have been swift, with many, such as @Danimalish saying that he has no idea if the film will be any good, but check out that cinematography!
Then we have @DevDock, who loved absolutely everything about the first movie, and can’t wait to see the sequel.
Let’s not forget about @michaelchiavone, who, like many others, had nothing but praise for the new trailer.
Finally, we have @deborahthawise, who comments that Joaquin Phoenix was born for one thing, to play Arthur Fleck.
Lady Gaga’s ‘Surprising’ Harley Quinn Performance in Joker 2 Hyped by Casting Director
Lady Gaga’s performance as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie À Deux is already receiving high praise from the film’s casting director.
Needless to say, fans are definitely ready forJoker: Folie à Deux, and while the trailer does have its naysayers, they are few and far between. One thing is for certain:Todd Phillipsseems to have yet another hit on his hands, but will it be able to come out on top as the highest-grossing R-rated movie of 2024 following the surefire hit ofDeadpool & Wolverine? We’ll have to wait until October 4 to find out.
