As anticipation builds for Joker: Folie à Deux, Lady Gaga has provided insight into her latest cinematic challenge—playing Harley Quinn. Known for her eclectic and bold career choices, the pop sensation is stepping into new territory as she takes on the role of the notorious DC Comics villainess in the highly awaited sequel to the 2019 hit Joker.
In an exclusive interview with People, Gaga discussed the complexity of her portrayal, emphasizing that this role stands apart from anything she’s done before. “I really wanted to do something that I've never done before,” she shared, highlighting the novelty and intrigue behind bringing Harley Quinn to life. The film, which hits theaters on October 4, 2024, stars Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck (aka Joker), with Todd Phillips returning as director.
A Musical Twist in a Dark World
Unlike the first Joker film, which was a gritty psychological exploration of mental illness and societal breakdown, Folie à Deux offers a unique twist—musical sequences interwoven with the chaos and darkness that surrounds the Joker and Harley Quinn. The movie alternates between the grim reality of Gotham’s infamous Arkham State Hospital and extravagant musical numbers that represent the delusional fantasy shared by its central characters. The musical elements raise questions about the film’s tone, leaving fans eager to see how the blend of genres plays out on screen.
Gaga, who has long been known for her dynamic performances and ability to blend music with storytelling, seems a natural fit for this role. However, she explains that the complexity of portraying Harley Quinn goes beyond the musical aspects of the film. Gaga described Harley as a character whose identity and contradictions form the crux of her journey.
Exploring Identity and Duality
One of the central themes that Gaga has focused on while preparing for this role is the notion of identity and duality. Drawing parallels between her own experiences as an artist and the character she’s playing, Gaga explained, “There's so much around identity and duality in this movie.”
As someone who has balanced two personas—her public identity as Lady Gaga and her private self—she resonated with the complexities of Harley Quinn’s dual nature. Harley, born Harleen Quinzel, starts as a brilliant psychiatrist who falls in love with her deranged patient, the Joker, only to descend into madness herself. For Gaga, this split between Harleen and Harley mirrors the difficulties of maintaining distinct identities, both in reality and on screen. “For me, having a persona in my life as Gaga, I think I just wanted to make it really grounded in reality because I definitely think having two identities is really complicated. And I knew that there was a real story in there,” she elaborated.
A Fresh Perspective on Harley Quinn
While previous portrayals of Harley Quinn, most notably by Margot Robbie in the Suicide Squad franchise, have explored her chaotic and rebellious side, Gaga’s take on the character is expected to delve deeper into the psychological underpinnings of her transformation. Joker: Folie à Deux aims to present a version of Harley that is complex, vulnerable, and intertwined with Arthur Fleck’s tragic narrative.
With a talented ensemble cast, including Phoenix, Gaga, and the musical direction of Todd Phillips, fans are gearing up for a cinematic experience that promises to be both visually and emotionally striking. Whether it’s through musical interludes or psychological drama, Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is poised to push boundaries and redefine what audiences expect from the iconic character.
As the release date draws closer, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see how Gaga brings her signature artistry to a role that is as unpredictable as it is iconic. Joker: Folie à Deux is set to be a major cinematic event, blending music, madness, and the exploration of fractured identities.