Joker was all the rage when it dropped in 2019. A closer look into DC’s most twisted yet beloved character, the film was a treat to the eyes and it was duly rewarded. The film made a billion dollars at the box office and got lead actor Joaquin Phoenix the first and only Oscar of his career so far. However, it looks like he might have to make some space beside his trophy to prepare for the release of its sequel.
Titled Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel stars Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role and he will be joined by Lady Gaga who will once again play Joker’s accomplice and lover, Harley Quinn. While the film is set for a release in October, Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera had the privilege of being one of its early viewers and it looks like the sequel has blown him away.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker 2 Leaves Film Critic Stunned
Italian film critic and Director of the Venice Film Festival, Alberto Barbera, sat down for a little chat with Deadline to discuss this year’s powerhouse lineup which includes films like The Room Next Door, Queer, and of course Joker 2 among others.
When it came to talking about the musical psychological thriller, Barbera couldn’t stop himself from praising the film. He was asked if the film was as dark as its predecessor, Barbera affirmed. He went on to add that despite being a continuation, Joker 2 is totally different from the first film.
Recalling his experience of watching the sequel back in February, Barbera revealed that the handful of people in the audience all had their mouths hanging open at the end of the screening.
It is. It’s a continuation of the story but the film is completely different from the first film. If you’re expecting the same in terms of violence or other things, you’ll be surprised. When I saw the film in L.A. at the beginning of February there were four or five of us in the screening room, including writer Scott Silver, and we were astonished, our mouths were open at the end of the screening. It is a darker film.
Talking about the sequel being a musical, Barbera stated,
It’s a dystopian musical, or a musical of sorts. I think it’s one of the most daring, brave and creative films in recent American cinema. And I think it really confirms Todd Phillips as one of the most creative directors working at the moment.
The film critic also added that he would be surprised if the sequel did not fall on the Academy’s radar. It looks like Joaquin Phoenix should probably prepare himself for another Oscar win. And who knows, maybe Lady Gaga could join him in the winners’ list too!
The High Praise for the Joker Sequel Has Fans All Excited
After hearing Joker 2 receive such incredible praise from the director of the Venice Film Festival himself, it was expected that the fans’ excitement would skyrocket, which is exactly what happened.
Those who were already looking forward to seeing the Todd Phillips film are now even more eager, rightly so.
From predicting another billion dollars at the box office to calling the film peak cinema, fans reacted to Barbera’s words with all the enthusiasm in the world. Here’s what some of them had to say:
This will be incredible ❤️❤️
— Payal (@rjb2025) July 23, 2024
another billion at the box office incoming
— harv (@harvv) July 23, 2024
My most anticipated for the rest of the year
— DxT (@DxT_cinema) July 23, 2024
PEAK CINEMA IS COMING pic.twitter.com/KHtptPHfY4
— pop culture gal (@allurequinn) July 23, 2024
LET'S GOOOO. I'M SO EXCITED!!! ABSOLUTE CINEMA IS COMING!!!🃏 pic.twitter.com/JHAThom8Wl
— DC ✯| (@dctvcinema_) July 23, 2024
It looks like Joker 2 is on the road to becoming one of the biggest films of the year. And after hearing what Barbera had to say about it, the highly-anticipated Deadpool 3 might have to watch its back.
Joker 2 will be released theatrically on October 04.
