Lady Gaga can be seen in the first-look picture for Joker: Folie à Deux alongside actor Joaquin Phoenix.
The 36-year-old singer was announced as part of the cast for the sequel to the acclaimed 2019 film, Joker, in August 2022. She is believed to be playing the iconic role of Harley Quinn, and her casting prompted widespread discussion on the Twitterverse on whether she was right for the role.
However, the Bad Romance hitmaker already seems to have proved naysayers wrong, as she effortlessly transforms into character in the first image released of Joker: Folie à Deux. She can be seen holding Joker's face as they both look at each other.
During her casting announcement last year, Gaga took to her social media platforms to share a short teaser with music from Cheek to Cheek, which Gaga previously covered alongside Tony Bennett. She wrote in the caption: “Joker: Folie à Deux 10.04.24.”
Initial reports of Gaga being in talks to join the film as Arthur Fleck's love interest Harley Quinn was first reported in June 2022.
Despite her role's nature not entirely being clear, Lady Gaga's fandom, aka Little Monsters, were ecstatic at the casting announcement, with one person tweeting: "You will make history again mother, literally this role was made for you!"
"Mother i can't wait", another wrote, while a third added: "I was one of those people that said they didn't want a Joker 2. But i think this is going to be really great. I'm very intrigued. I trust Todd Phillips. Can't wait to see more."
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It's important to note that Australian beauty Margot Robbie has popularised the role of Harley in the high-profile 2016 flick Suicide Squad and its sequel in 2021. And some fans are not happy for Gaga to swoop on in and clinch Margot's hard-working Harley crown.
Come along with us, and let's unpack why they're so unhappy and also discover everything else you need to know about the all-singing, all-dancing sequel to the 2019 Oscar-winning flick.
Why are fans not happy about Gaga's casting news?
Harley Quinn is such a beloved character in the DC Universe, and Margot Robbie has wowed fans in the role in past films - so naturally, fans do not think that anybody other than her can do the role justice.
"Nobody can play a better harley quinn than margot robbie," on fan tweeted.
Another added: "There is only one Harley Quinn and thats Margot Robbie. PERIOD," while a third echoed: "Margot robbie is the only Harley Quinn we need."
Get ready to meet Maxine Simmons.
However, others have praised Gaga's casting and say it's not all competition as she will be known for a different universe.
"Margot robbie will NEVER be replaced as harley quinn, lady gaga is only playing as her for a different universe and a different role," a fan tweeted.
Needless to say, we're very excited to see how Gaga makes the role her own!
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Who else is joining the cast?
Joaquin Phoenix is returning as Arthur Fleck, aka, The Joker.
Zazie Beetz, who starred in the 2019 version, may return as Sophie as Fleck did not kill her. Douglas Hodge could also reprise his role as Alfred Pennyworth - but nothing has been confirmed yet.
What is the plot of Joker: Folie à Deux?
We were left with a massive cliffhanger at the end of Joker when Fleck, who was locked up in Arkham State Hospital for inciting riots across Gotham City, broke free. The sequel will potentially follow him on the run as he continues to transform into the villainous Joker.
What does Folie à Deux mean?
The title translates to "delusion or mental illness shared by two people in close association". This hints that Arthur may have a partner in crime, or his antics may be a reflection of his dual personality with Joker.
What are people saying about it being a musical?
We were stunned to learn that Joker 2 will be adapted as a musical - but we're here for it!
Some fans online have dubbed the choice as "terrible".
However, others have praised it, with one person tweeting: "One of the best scenes in Joker was when he danced in the bathroom after committing his first murder. A musical is a valid direction for the creators to take for the sequel. It's all about how they execute it."
When is it expected to release?
Mark your calendars because Joker: Folie à Deux is set to hit cinemas on October 4, 2024!
