Joker 2 Director Defends One Controversial Change In The Upcoming Sequel

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Joker 2 Director Defends One Controversial Change In The Upcoming Sequel

Key Takeaways

  • Director Todd Phillips reveals a radical departure in Harley Quinn’s character for Joker sequel, portrayed by Lady Gaga.
  • Harley Quinn won’t have her traditional backstory as a psychologist, instead portrayed as a fellow patient in Arkham State Hospital.
  • The decision to change Harley Quinn’s character in Joker: Folie à Deux is a bold move that may impact fans’ perception of the film.

As a die-hard fan who’s been following the DC universe since I was a kid, I must say, the news about Joker: Folie à Deux is both intriguing and nerve-wracking. The first Joker movie was a masterpiece that redefined the character for a new generation. The idea of a sequel, especially with Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, had me dancing in my seat with excitement.

As a gaming enthusiast eagerly waiting for “Joker: Folie à Deux”, I’m intrigued by the director’s early insights into one of the game’s boldest divergences from the usual DC comic book storylines. Even though it’s still nearly two months until its release, these behind-the-scenes glimpses are keeping my excitement levels high!

The movie “Joker” surprised everyone when it turned out to be a huge success, leaving fans, critics, and box office experts stunned. It went on to shatter records as the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, earning $1,078,958,629 until the recent triumph of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Many believe that “Joker” paved the way for this success by demonstrating a viable concept to Marvel Studios and others in the industry such as Sony. The sequel, titled “Joker: Folie à Deux,” was announced, and it was later revealed that the Joker’s most famous sidekick would make an appearance.

In a recent interview with Variety, Todd Phillips, director of the upcoming “Joker 2,” shared insights on how Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga in the musical sequel, will be portrayed differently. Contrary to traditional comic book depictions, the film’s version of Harley Quinn will not include her high-pitched voice, specific accent, or chewing gum, as these elements have been removed. Instead, they aim for her character to blend seamlessly into the Gotham City environment established in the first movie.

The deviation from prior incarnations has been a topic of discussion for a while now. Despite the sequel film taking place in Arkham State Hospital, an analogue for the iconic Arkham asylum, it’s previously been confirmed that Harley won’t be getting her original origin story as a psychologist driven mad by the Joker’s manipulations and her love for him. Instead, this Harley will reportedly be a fellow patient who plays into the protagonist’s delusions, a role that Gaga is reportedly perfectly suited for in more than just musical ability.

The decision to so drastically change up Gaga’s version of the character is a weighty one, as Harley and the Joker are even considered on part with DC’s Trinity in some quarters. While the Joker’s origin has always been ambiguous and shrouded in mystery, and the 2019 Joker offered a well-written version that resonated with a lot of the more grounded facets of the character, Harley is a different case. Despite her association with the Joker, Harley Quinn has a very well-established backstory that has remained more or less constant since her introduction in the 90s gem Batman: The Animated Series. Even her more recent rise to prominence as an independent woman now separated from her iconic lover still keeps the same basic origin and characterization, acting more like character development than a retcon. Many fans, even longtime fans of DC films, are quite precious about the Margot Robbie/Kaley Cuoco version of the character.

A preliminary review of “Joker 2” asserts it’s a groundbreaking movie with an exceptionally dark tone, positioning itself among the most audacious films today. It remains to be seen how audiences will react to this innovative approach and what repercussions it might have on the narrative established in the original film, which will only become clear upon its release.

The sequel to “Joker,” titled “Folie à Deux,” is scheduled for its theatrical premiere in the United States on October 4, 2024.

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2024-08-26 17:25