MissMalini logo
Exclusive: Todd Philips Says THIS About Joaquin Phoenix In ‘Joker 2’

Exclusive: Todd Philips Says THIS About Joaquin Phoenix In ‘Joker 2’

Shefali Prabhu

From acclaimed director Todd Phillips comes ‘Joker: Folie À Deux’, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit ‘Joker’. The original film made over $1 billion at the global box office and earned Joaquin Phoenix an Academy Award for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck/Joker. In this new chapter, Phoenix returns as Arthur, with Lady Gaga joining the cast as the co-lead. The film also stars Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz, who reprises her role from the first movie.

Todd Phillips couldn’t help but gush about Joaquin Phoenix’s talent, especially when it came to the new challenge of tap dancing in the film. Phillips explained how he initially presented the idea to Joaquin and how the actor took it on without hesitation. Phillips said, “I have this idea that Joaquin can do anything, even if he won’t admit it. When I told him Arthur could tap dance, he just said, ‘Okay, let me figure that out.’ And he did! We teamed him up with choreographer Michael Arnold, and they worked on it for months. It’s all Joaquin—no CGI, no tricks—he nails it every time.”

In ‘Joker: Folie À Deux’, Arthur Fleck is institutionalized in Arkham, where he’s awaiting trial for his crimes as the Joker. While dealing with his struggles, Arthur finds love and discovers a hidden talent for music. The film promises to delve deeper into Arthur’s psyche while delivering the same intensity that fans loved in the first movie.

Warner Bros. Pictures will release ‘Joker: Folie À Deux’ worldwide on October 2, 2024, with IMAX screenings starting October 4 in India. Fans can look forward to experiencing the film exclusively in cinemas in its original English version.