Todd Phillips announces that principal photography has begun on Joker: Folie à Deux, revealing the first image of Joaquin Phoenix in Arkham Asylum. The Joker-verse is moving forward as Warner Bros. Discovery is working on a sequel to the Academy Award-winning DC picture. The first Joker film, set in an Elsewords-like continuity, follows Arthur Fleck and how he eventually transforms into the villainous Gotham City clown. As DC Studios are still making shifts with the DCU (formerly known as the DCEU,) Phillips' Joker franchise remains intact.
Set to return as the director for Joker: Folie á Deux, Phillips announced today on his Instagram page that principal photography has officially begun on the Phoenix-starring sequel. The filmmaker also provided the first look at the film, featuring the Clown Prince of Crime inside Arkham Asylum in the movie. Joker: Folie á Deux production is taking place in Los Angeles and is expected to run into early 2023. Check out Phillips' post below:
Everything We Know About Joker 2
While a lot of plot details are being kept under wraps, there are a few confirmed tidbits about Joker: Folie á Deux and what to expect from it. One of the biggest additions to the sequel is Lady Gaga joining the project as none other than Harley Quinn. But that isn't the only musical aspect of the new Joker installment, as the film will actually have a full-on musical setting. With Joker: Folie á Deux as a musical, it will be the first time a DC movie attempts that concept.
Zazie Beetz, who portrayed Sophie Dumond in the first Joker movie, is set to reprise the role in Joker: Folie á Deux. Thus far, aside from Phoenix, Beetz is the only returning cast member, but several actors have boarded the sequel. Over the last few months, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Jacob Lofland have joined Joker: Folie á Deux in undisclosed roles. Harry Lawtey has also been cast in a mystery part for Joker: Folie á Deux, which has been teased to be a big one for the film. Despite the many budget cuts happening at Warner Bros. Discovery, Joker 2's budget will be twice the original movie.
With the musical setting and a huge star in Lady Gaga as the latest live-action version of Harley Quinn, Joker: Folie á Deux will have a lot of expectations to meet. Even though many have stated that Joker didn't need a sequel, this attempt at fleshing out the franchise is an admirable one, as this is already looking like a major departure that could push the franchise (and the world of DC) in exciting new directions. Since filming has kicked off, it likely won't be long until set photos and videos begin to emerge, including what Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn will look like in Joker: Folie á Deux.
Source: Todd Phillips
