The long-awaited sequel to the 2019 film "Joker," titled "Joker: Folie à Deux," will hit theaters five years after the original this October. Directed once again by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix alongside Lady Gaga, the anticipation for the film has been building. With the release of the second official trailer, there's a lot to unpack. Here are eight intriguing details you might have missed.
The Meaning of "Folie à Deux"
The subtitle "Folie à Deux" translates from French to "shared madness," a psychological term describing a mental disorder affecting two individuals. This hints at the intense and intertwined relationship between the two main characters in "Joker: Folie à Deux."
Joker's Followers
The trailer reveals that the story picks up two years after the events of "Joker." Arthur Fleck is now incarcerated in Gotham's notorious Arkham State Hospital. The opening scene shows Arthur being transported to court, surrounded by angry citizens and a group of followers dressed like him. This echoes the depiction of Joker's cult-like followers in previous Batman comics and adaptations, including the memorable scene from Matt Reeves' "The Batman" (2022).
Harley Quinn's Origin
In the comics, Harley Quinn, originally Dr. Harleen Quinzel, becomes infatuated with Joker while treating him at Arkham. Ultimately, he transforms into Harley Quinn after diving into a vat of chemicals. However, the DC universe is known for reimagining villain origins. In "Joker: Folie à Deux," Harley Quinn appears to be a mentally ill patient who idolizes Arthur, diverging from her traditional backstory.
Musical Elements in "Joker: Folie à Deux"
The trailer showcases several musical sequences reminiscent of classic musicals like "Singin' in the Rain" (1952). Reports suggest the film will feature extensive musical elements, including at least 15 songs. This musical approach, highlighted by Harley's choir background, adds a unique twist to the film, which initially sparked skepticism but now seems an intriguing and potentially successful experiment.
Harley Imitating Joker
Harley mimics Arthur's speech, mannerisms, and iconic actions from the first film. Scenes in the trailer show her mimicking Arthur's gun gesture, painting a smile on her face with blood, and dancing on stairs, all signaling her deep obsession and admiration for Arthur.
Arthur Evading His Followers
A popular fan theory suggests that the real Joker might be someone else, with Arthur as an inspiration. This theory is bolstered by scenes in the trailer showing Arthur trying to escape his imitators, paralleling the concept explored in the TV series "Gotham" with the Valeska twins.
The Appearance of Two-Face Harvey Dent
One of the most significant reveals in the trailer is the presence of Harvey Dent. The male voice on the radio condemning Arthur and expressing a desire to punish him is identified as future Two-Face Harvey Dent in the hidden subtitles of the American trailer. While the comics depict Harvey's transformation after being splashed with acid by a criminal, this film might reimagine his origin story, potentially linking it to Arthur.
Background Music in "Joker: Folie à Deux"
The trailer features the song "When You're Smiling," famously covered by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong. This choice of music, with its theme of smiling through adversity, perfectly reflects Arthur's uncontrollable laughter and his deranged outlook on life.
In addition to Phoenix and Gaga, the film also sees the return of Zazie Beetz as Sophie. Following the conclusion of the DCEU with "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" (2023), DC and Warner Bros. seem to be recalibrating their strategy. With James Gunn leading the new DC Universe and standalone projects like "The Batman" and "Joker" under the "DC Elseworld" banner, there's renewed hope and excitement among fans for the future of DC films.
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