Warner Bros. is in talks with Lady Gaga to co star with Joaquin Phoenix in the upcoming musical film Joker Folie a Deux, a continuation of the Joker story that will hit theaters in the coming months. The project is described as a musical interpretation of the iconic DC Comics character and is expected to carry the distinctive voice of Gaga alongside Phoenix.
In the proposed cast, Gaga would portray Harley Quinn, a longtime ally and friend within the Joker universe. The collaboration would mark a dynamic return to the franchise led by director Todd Phillips, who is also shaping the musical direction of the sequel rather than a straightforward remake of the original dark tale.
Joker released in 2019 became a major box office success, earning well over a billion dollars in global ticket sales. That achievement reinforced Warner Bros. belief that a bold, character driven story within the DC universe could attract wide audiences and generate lasting cultural impact. The studio has signaled that this new film will lean into its musical elements while maintaining the psychological intensity fans associate with the character.
Last week rumors surfaced after Phillips shared a glimpse of the new film script on social media, stoking anticipation about whether Harley Quinn would become a central figure in the new narrative. Quinn first appeared in the animated series Batman the Animated Series from the early 1990s and has since become an enduring icon linked to the Joker mythology. The report suggests that the upcoming film would feature her as a key participant in the story, described in some circles as Folie a Deux or Madness of Two, a term used to describe a shared psychosis that binds two or more people in delusion.
Details about Lady Gaga’s contractual terms remain undisclosed at this stage. It is unclear if she will contribute to the soundtrack in addition to her acting duties. The project appears to be a collaborative effort with Gaga involved as a producer and performer, echoing her previous work on major projects that blend music and cinema. Gaga previously earned nominations and accolades for her performance in a major feature and has built a reputation as a powerful storyteller who can fuse songs with cinematic moments.
Production insiders confirm that Joaquin Phoenix will return as the Joker, continuing the character’s arc that earned him the best actor Oscar award for a transformative portrayal. The sequel is poised to expand the emotional landscape of the character and offer audiences a new lens on the infamous villain. The team behind the film emphasizes a creative blend of musical numbers, character study, and dark humor, aiming to deliver something fresh while honoring the dark roots of the original screen version. Reporters and insiders note that the project is being guided by a vision that respects the tone that made the first film memorable while inviting new musical and narrative elements that could broaden its appeal.
As discussions progress, fans and industry observers await official confirmation of the cast and production timeline. If Lady Gaga signs on, it would mark another example of a major performer stepping into a superhero related project, continuing a trend of music stars taking central roles in large scale genre cinema. For now, audiences can look forward to further announcements about the film’s cast, release date, and the musical direction that will accompany the return of the enigmatic Joker to the screen. The project remains a focal point of speculation in entertainment circles, with many eager to see how the collaboration between Gaga and Phoenix will reinterpret a well known franchise character. [Source: The Hollywood Reporter]