Months ahead of the theatrical release of the anticipated sequel Joker: Folie À Deux, casting director Francine Maisler was able to see a cut of the film. She found herself impressed with Lady Gaga's performance as Harley Quinn, promising that fans will similarly be wowed.

Per Deadline, Maisler discussed the Joker sequel during a Karlovy Vary International Film Festival appearance in the Czech Republic, joined by her associate, Molly Rose. She gave heavy hype to Gaga's work in the film, promising that she could keep up with Joaquin Phoenix --- who won an Academy Award for his role in the first Joker movie. It's a departure from Gaga's role in A Star Is Born, which is closer to who she is in real life, though the "Poker Face" singer nevertheless is said to have nailed playing the much more demented DC character.

“She’s so good in it, you guys,” Maisler explained. “She’s going to blow your mind. I didn’t suggest Lady Gaga. It wasn’t my idea. That was Todd Phillips, before me. But I will tell you, she’s really surprising — and really good. I saw it and I was really surprised. I mean, we all knew what she could do in A Star Is Born, but I thought, ‘Oh, well, that’s kind of in her wheelhouse.’ Something she could do and just be real. But this… Man, she’s good. Joaquin blows your mind, but that she could keep up with him, and be real — and not just wiped off the screen by what that role is and what the performance is — shows she’s good.”

"She’s so good in it, you guys. She’s going to blow your mind."

Todd Phillips returns to direct the Joker sequel, joined by Scott Silver to co-write the screenplay. At least one other familiar face from Joker will also be appearing, as Zazie Beetz will reprise her role as Sophie, the neighbor of Phoenix's Arthur Fleck in the first movie. The new film also stars Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, Steve Coogan, and Ken Leung.

The Joker Sequel Will Be Partly a Musical

The sequel is also going to come with a change in genres. Joker: Folie à Deux will be partly a musical, adding an element that was not present in the first Joker. In the new movie, which picks up after the events of Joker, Arthur and Gaga's Harley "Lee" Quinzel meet in Arkham Asylum where they proceed to fall madly in love. Meanwhile, Arthur's followers organize a movement in an attempt to free the "Clown Prince of Crime" from the asylum.

Joker: Folie À Deux will be released in theaters on Oct. 4, 2024.

Source: Deadline