Lady Gaga shines as Harley Quinn in Joker 2: Folie à Deux

Lady Gaga is no stranger to transforming herself for her roles, but her latest one might be her most daring yet. The pop star and Oscar winner plays Harley Quinn, the iconic DC Comics villainess and love interest of the Joker, in the upcoming musical sequel Joker: Folie à Deux.

The film, directed by Todd Phillips, is a continuation of the 2019 hit Joker, which starred Joaquin Phoenix as the troubled clown prince of crime. Phoenix reprises his role in the sequel, which explores the twisted relationship between Joker and Harley as they meet at Arkham Asylum, the notorious psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane.

Phillips recently shared the first official photos of Gaga and Phoenix in character on his Instagram account, announcing that the film had wrapped shooting. In the photos, Gaga sports a messy platinum bob, a black jacket, and a frilly tulle top, with her makeup and lipstick smeared on her face. Phoenix, on the other hand, looks more subdued in his signature green hair, white face paint, and red smile.

The director also praised the cast and crew for their hard work, writing: “That’s a wrap. Thanks to these two (+ the entire cast) and the BEST crew that the film industry has to offer. From top to bottom. Gonna crawl into a cave now (edit room) and put it all together.”

Gaga also posted one of the photos on her own Instagram account, captioning it: “That’s a wrap ❤️‍🔥🎬🃏 X, Harleen.” The singer and actress used the real name of Harley Quinn, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a former psychiatrist who falls in love with the Joker and becomes his accomplice.

Joker: Folie à Deux is not only a sequel, but also a musical, with the characters breaking out into song throughout the film. A video from the set showed Gaga singing in her role as Harley Quinn, while another photo revealed that the film will feature a musical number set in a carnival.

Gaga is no stranger to musicals, having starred in the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born, for which she won an Oscar for co-writing the song “Shallow.” She also received her fourth Oscar nomination this year for writing the song “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick.

Joker: Folie à Deux is expected to hit theaters on Oct. 24, 2024. The first Joker film was a critical and commercial success, earning 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and winning Best Actor for Phoenix. It also became the first R-rated film to gross over $1 billion worldwide.

Fans of Gaga and Phoenix are eagerly awaiting to see their chemistry on screen, as well as their musical talents. Joker: Folie à Deux promises to be a dark, twisted, and thrilling ride into the minds of two of the most iconic comic book characters of all time.