First look at Joker sequel released as production begins

Last Updated on December 13, 2022

Production on the sequel to 2019’s Joker, titled Joker: Folie à Deux, has officially begun production, with director Todd Phillips posting the first look at Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck aka the Clown Prince of Crime. (This article will contain spoilers for Joker going forward.)

Phillips accompanied the Joker: Folie à Deux photo with the caption, “Day 1. Our boy. #joker”.

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When we last saw the Joker, he had murdered talk show host Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro) on live television, resulting in him being arrested and taken to Arkham Asylum. The above photo depicts Fleck getting a shave, presumably within those walls. The boney build remains, too. For the first film, Joaquin Phoenix lost more than 50 pounds.

Phillips has been teasing other bits about Joker: Folie à Deux, but there is so much unknown about the sequel, especially as it pertains to plot details. However, the title itself is a French term that refers to a shared psychosis, which could indicate how Fleck’s future plans could develop throughout the film.

Perhaps this will directly affect Harley Quinn, who it was announced earlier this year would be played by Lady Gaga. The announced cast also includes Zazie Beetz, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Jacob Lofland.

2019’s Joker proved to be a hit when it came to accolades, earning several BAFTA nominations, four Golden Globe nods and 11 Academy Award nominations, the most of that year. Phoenix won Best Actor at all three, in addition to doing so at a number of other guilds and organizations. Joker also notably won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, an honor that thrust it into the awards circuit.

What do you think of the first look at Joker: Folie à Deux? Does it show promise for the sequel? Let us know below!

Joker: Folie à Deux hits theaters on October 4th, 2024.