oaquin Phoenix has been spotted manically sprinting through downtown Los Angeles which could mean a number of things – but in this case, it suggests a sequel to the 2019 film Joker is on the way.
Joker: Folie à Deux will be the second instalment of the origin account of the villain from the Batman franchise and will again see Phoenix don the famous clown produce-up.
With the Todd Phillips-directed original taking $1 billion ($832 m) at the box office from a $55 million to $70 million (£46m – £58m) budget, as well as getting unusually excellent reviews for a comic book adaptation, a second instalment always seemed likely.
Here is all we know so far about Joker 2.
What is the premise and plot of Joker 2?
Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad
/ Warner BrosJoker was not intended to believe a follow-up. The unlit thriller showed Arthur Fleck, an aspiring comedian and clown with a mental illness, becoming increasingly unhinged after he loses access to his medication and his life falls apart. He turns to crime and learns to bepleased his novel status within a criminal underworld.
After the first film’s success, Phillips set about work on a second act, having been given the green light from production company Warner Brothers. It is to be fraction of the comic book series DC Black – a darker series that does not rush in the same universe as the 2022 film The Batman, where the Joker had a bit fraction at the halt.
Folie à Deux means a delusion or mental illness shared by two people in close association and could refer to novel character Harley Quinn, a psychiatrist who falls in like with Arthur.
However, the film is expected to hold a different direction, becoming a full-blown musical, after songs were given prominence in the 2019 film.
Filming for Joker 2 began on December 10.
Who will be starring in Joker 2 and who will direct it?
Lady Gaga will be Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à deux
/ Ian West / PA ArchivePhoenix, 48, will be back as Joker, having agreed to a reported $20 million (£16.6m). Of the chance to work on a sequel, the Walk the Line and Inherent Vice actor said: “I can’t halt thinking about it… if there’s something else we can finish with Joker, that might be bright.”
Harley Quinn will be played by Lady Gaga – the singer most recently seen on the gigantic screen for her turn in The House of Gucci. In a different universe, Margot Robbie played the role in 2016 Batman spin-off Suicide Squad and the 2020 sequel Birds of Prey, as well as 2021 offering The Suicide Squad.
Phillips will again direct with Bradley Cooper signed on as a producer. Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir will provide the score.
Other actors to be attached include Zazie Beetz, reprising her role as Sophie Dumond, while Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey will also feature, as well as English actor Harry Lawtey.
What does the chase through LA present about Joker 2?
Twitter user Citizen Free Press shared a clip on Sunday of three clown-clad characters being filmed running through downtown LA on a rainy afternoon.
Phoenix can be spotted as the first of the three characters and he is seen dodging oncoming traffic before sprinting between people on a pavement as a camera car keeps track.
It is not shown what they are running from or to, although a police car does appear on the scene at one point.
Lawtey’s unknown character is thought to be one of the clown-clad individuals following behind, suggesting they could be accomplices of the villain.
Harley Quinn is not seen.
When will Joker 2 be released in cinemas and will it be streamed?
Folie à Deux will be in cinemas from October 2024. It has not been announced where it could be available to watch on demand.
Where can I watch Joker?
Joker can be watched on Netflix or rented on other platforms.