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What’s funnier than one clown? How about two? Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker will have some criminal enterprise for “Folie à Deux,” as Lady Gaga joins the sequel for a role that is said to revolve around Batman villain Harley Quinn. New photos have emerged from the production, revealing Gaga’s costume and makeup for the film.
The photos appear to show a large crowd scene, with Gaga’s character escorted to a government building by Gotham police officers. Extras dress up as protesters gather around the star, holding signs with messages like “Free Joker,” “Justice 4 Joker,” “Joker Marry Me,” and “No Justice Not Guilty Not Joking.” Among the crowd are an array of colorful wigs and, of course, clown masks.
Gaga’s costume by Oscar-nominated Ariane Phillips cuts between the heightened sensitivity of comic book source material and the spiky aesthetic of the first “Joker” movie. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed that Gaga is playing Harley Quinn, the scarlet jacket and diamond-print blouse would certainly hint at it, not to mention the romantic messages between the protesters and the clown makeup on Gaga’s face.
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This isn’t the first look at Gaga from the set of “Joker: Folie à Deux.” On Valentine’s Day, director Todd Phillips shared a photo of Gaga and Phoenix in a romantic embrace. That official photo was a tight close-up, while these new photos feature a different take on Gaga’s personality.
Phillips’ original “Joker” was a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. At the 2020 Academy Awards, the film took home two wins — Phoenix for Best Actor and Hildur Gonadottir for Best Original Score — out of a whopping 11 nominations. Speculation about a sequel soon dominated.
Although the DC Comics landscape has changed dramatically in recent months, “Joker 2” has remained largely untouched by newly formed DC Studios and its co-presidents James Gunn and Peter Safran. The “Joker” sequel will not play a role in the narrative continuity of other upcoming DC films.
Warner Bros. will release “Joker: Folie à Deux” hits theaters October 9, 2024.
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