By Pierre Lorenz on December 14, 2022 at 11:11 am

With "Joker" from 2019, director Todd Phillips succeeded in making the most successful R-rated film of all time up to now. In total, the completely stand-alone film, which has no connection to the DCEU or "The Batman", grossed over $1 billion at the box office, almost $250 million more than the second-placed film "Deadpool 2". So it's not surprising that all eyes are on the long-confirmed sequel titled "Joker: Folie à Deux".

A few days ago, there were two main reasons for fans to look forward to the sequel. First, shooting has officially started, as director Todd Phillips announced on social media. Second, there is a first image of the film, which actually looks like a scene from the movie and less like a shot from behind the scenes. It shows topless leading man Joaquin Phoenix being shaved by an unknown person. Based on the white coat of the person on the left, we can assume that this scene takes place in the infamous Arkham Asylum.

As of yet, there is not much information regarding the plot, but we already know that the movie will be told in a musical style and it is also certain that Harley Quinn will take on a major role in the sequel. This also fits the title "Folie à Deux", which is named after a psychotic disorder in which delusions are transferred from one sick individual to an initially healthy person. Literally translated, "Folie à Deux" thus means "madness shared by two." Since Harley Quinn, who will be played by Lady Gaga, was one of the psychiatrists in the Arkham Asylum, according to the comics, it seems reasonable to assume that she is the one who gets affected by the Joker's mental illness.

In addition to Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz returns, with "Harry Potter" actor Brendan Gleeson and "Being John Malkovich" actress Catherine Keener also making their debuts. The theatrical release of "Joker: Folie à Deux" has so far been scheduled for October 4, 2024.