Todd Phillips returns to direct Joker sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga
Joker: Folie à Deux is a psychological-thriller musical drama film co-written and directed by Todd Phillips for Warner Bros. Pictures. It is based on the DC Comics character of the same name and serves as a direct sequel to 2019’s Joker. The first film experienced immense financial and critical success, earning over $1 billion at the worldwide box office and receiving eleven Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning Best Original Score and Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix.
Who worked behind-the-scenes of Joker 2?
Todd Phillips returned to direct this sequel after previously helming The Hangover trilogy. He co-wrote the screenplay to both Joker films with Scott Silver. Phillips’ frequent long-time collaborator, Lawrence Sher, handles the cinematography on Joker: Folie à Deux. Phillips also co-produces the sequel with the lead of The Hangover, Bradley Cooper.
Where was Joker 2 filmed?
The filming locations for Joker: Folie à Deux include Los Angeles and New York, with the celebrated Arkham Asylum scenes being filmed in New Jersey at an abandoned Essex County Isolation Hospital. The iconic "Joker Stairs" located in the Bronx, which became a point of interest following the first film, was used for filming during April 2023.
Who stars in Joker 2?
Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck/Joker, a socially marginalized individual with a troubled past, suffering from mental illness and financial hardship who ultimately adopts a nihilistic criminal identity influenced by clowns. Another Oscar winner, Lady Gaga, joins the film portraying Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn, an Arkham Asylum psychologist who falls in love with Joker. Gaga previously won Best Original Song in 2019 for “Shallow” from A Star is Born.
Zazie Beetz reprises her role as Sophie Dumond, a skeptical single mother who Arthur romantically fantasized about but, in reality, they only had a brief encounter. Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland and Harry Lawtey round out the cast.