Dark love story

Phoenix and Lady Gaga in first ‘Joker 2’ trailer

JoaquinJoaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga can be seen in the new "Joker". The first trailer has now been released.(Bild: Viennareport)

Lots of music and a strong interplay between Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga: the first trailer for the sequel to the dark "Joker" film from 2019 has been released. The studio Warner Bros. presented the two-minute video at the CinemaCon film trade fair in Las Vegas. "Joker: Folie à Deux", directed by Todd Phillips (53), is set to hit theaters in early October.

Phoenix (49) returns in the role of failed comedian Arthur Fleck, who lived on the fringes of Gotham City society as Batman's antagonist in "Joker". Now he is locked up in Arkham Asylum.

A dark love story
There he meets the psychiatrist Harleen Quinzel, played by singer Lady Gaga, who is supposed to treat the unconventional Blur. Gradually, however, Quinzel falls for the charms of the "Joker" and builds up a relationship with him.

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga can be seen in the new "Joker". The first trailer has now been released.(Bild: Viennareport)

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Lady Gaga's role is inspired by the character Harley Quinn. In the Batman universe, Quinn befriends the mentally ill Joker in an asylum.

In the trailer, singer and actress Lady Gaga ("A Star is Born") and Phoenix can be seen kissing and dancing, alternating with dark scenes, accompanied by the 60s song "What the World Needs Now Is Love".

Joker as Oscar role
"Folie à Deux" describes a mental disorder that is transferred from one person to a loved one.

Phoenix won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2020 for his role in "Joker". At the Venice Film Festival, the thriller won the Golden Lion for Best Film.