Joker 2 might be a musical, Lady Gaga reportedly in talks to play Harley Quinn

Joker
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Last week, we reported that a Joker sequel was all but confirmed by director Todd Phillips and star Joaquin Phoenix when the pair took to social media to reveal its official title, Joker: Folie à Deux.

The title alone gave us plenty to speculate on in terms of the film's story, however, we never could have predicted this twist: according to an exclusive from The Hollywood Reporter, Joker: Folie à Deux may actually be a musical, with Lady Gaga in talks to star as Harley Quinn opposite Phoenix's Joker.

As we discussed in our previous article, Folie à Deux is a psychiatric term that refers to shared psychosis between two or more individuals due to close proximity. With this news, we seemingly have confirmation that the individuals in question will be Joker and Harley.

Of course, nothing is set in stone – THR says that Phoenix is still reportedly deep in negotiations on the film, and has yet to close a deal.

Why a musical makes sense for Joker

While this may not be the direction fans were hoping Joker 2 would go in, it does strike us as an inspired approach from Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver, who never wanted to take an obvious route with a potential sequel.

In fact, we'd argue that the prospect of this Joker breaking into song feels like the next logical step for the character, who often expressed himself through dance in the first film – who could forget the haunting quasi-pirouettes that came after Arthur's first murders, or the utter jubilation of his staircase dance following his total transformation into Joker?

And while Phillips has never directed a musical before, the first Joker film already proved he can successfully operate outside of his comedic comfort zone. It also wouldn't be entirely outside of his wheelhouse – before Joker, Todd Phillips and Bradley Cooper's production company scored a huge critical and commercial win with A Star Is Born, which marked their first collaboration with Lady Gaga.

We also couldn't think of a better choice to play this more dramatic version of Harley Quinn than Lady Gaga. While Margot Robbie has obviously left an indelible mark on the character, her version of Harley exists in a universe where Jared Leto plays an entirely different Joker, and would seem completely out of place opposite Phoenix's interpretation. Gaga's involvement would also guarantee a soundtrack full of bangers, which is essential for any musical.

That said, all of this will depend on whether Phoenix reaches an agreement with Warner Bros. and officially signs on to the project. Until then, we simply have to wait and see how everything plays out.

Stephen Lambrechts
Senior Journalist, Phones and Entertainment

Stephen primarily covers phones and entertainment for TechRadar's Australian team, and has written professionally across the categories of tech, film, television and gaming in both print and online for over a decade. He's obsessed with smartphones, televisions, consoles and gaming PCs, and has a deep-seated desire to consume all forms of media at the highest quality possible. 

He's also likely to talk a person’s ear off at the mere mention of Android, cats, retro sneaker releases, travelling and physical media, such as vinyl and boutique Blu-ray releases. Right now, he's most excited about QD-OLED technology, The Batman and Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga.

Read more
Princess Ilana sitting down as she looks at The Bride who's standing off-screen in Creature Commandos' season 1 finale
Creature Commandos star isn't giving up hope of playing their character again in another James Gunn DCU project: 'I want to continue playing her'
Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofia Gascon in Netflix's Emilia Perez
I can’t understand Emilia Pérez’s record-breaking Oscar nominee success – I’d rather put myself through Joker 2 again
A collage image of David Corenswet's Superman, Milly Alcock's Supergirl, and Robert Pattinson's Batman
James Gunn's DCU just got a major update – here are 6 key takeaways from the latest press event, including some big Batman news
Ayo Edebiri in the first trailer for A24's Opus
John Malkovich and The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri get swept up in a pop music cult in first trailer for A24’s Opus – and it's gone straight to the top of my watch list
Weasel, Nina, The Bride, and Doctor Phosphorus wearing prison clothes in Creature Commandos episode 4
Creature Commandos season 2: everything we know so far about the DCU TV show's next chapter on Max
A collage image of a scarred Ilana and Weasel looking at a photograph in Creature Commandos episode 4
Creature Commandos stars open up on how episode 4's two huge plot twists will impact the DCU TV show's overall story: 'it's an interesting reveal'
Latest in Entertainment
Lilo & Stitch Official Trailer
Stitch crashes into earth and steals our hearts with the first trailer for the live-action Lilo & Stitch
Glasgow Rangers' Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers runs with the ball during a UEFA Europa League round of 16 first-leg football match in March 2025
Rangers vs Fenerbahce live stream: How to watch UEFA Europa League online
Tottenham Hotspur player Lucas Bergvall participates in the match at the AFAS Stadium for the UEFA Europa League
Tottenham vs AZ live stream: How to watch the Europa League online from anywhere
A close up of Captain America with Thor and Hulk in the background during the Assemble scene in Avengers: Endgame
'We will draw inspiration': Joe and Anthony Russo reveal which of Marvel's Secret Wars comic book series have influenced Avengers 5 and 6's plot
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during a Premier League match in March 2025
Man Utd vs Real Sociedad live stream: How to watch the Europa League game online
Indy the Dog sitting in front of the TV
South by Southwest has given me 4 new horror movies to look forward to, including one from a dog's perspective
Latest in News
Google Gemini Robotics
Gemini just got physical and you should prepare for a robot revolution
Lilo & Stitch Official Trailer
Stitch crashes into earth and steals our hearts with the first trailer for the live-action Lilo & Stitch
GTA 5
GTA Online publisher Take-Two is gunning for a black market that’s basically heaven for cheaters
Y2K cast looking shocked
Y2K has a streaming release date on Max, so you can witness the technology uprising at home
The Discovery+ homepage
Discovery+ just got a big update to its streaming app that makes it more like Max – here are 5 great new features to try
Two Android phones on a green and blue background showing Google Messages
Struggling with slow Google Messages photo transfers? Google says new update will make 'noticeable difference'