We've been hearing rumblings for a while now that Joker: Folie à Deux will be a musical and, with a trailer expected to drop in the near future, Variety has just shared more details about what DC fans can expect from the sequel.
According to the trade, the movie is "mostly a jukebox musical" which includes at least 15 new versions of "very well-known" songs. Among them is Judy Garland's "That's Entertainment" from The Band Wagon (1953), though it's said a couple of original songs will likely be added.
It's unclear who will write or perform those, but with Lady Gaga playing Harley Quinn, we'd say she's a safe bet!
The report adds that Hildur Guðnadóttir, Joker's Oscar-winning composer, has "[infused her distinctive, haunting [music] cues" into each of the current musical numbers, so we're definitely intrigued to hear how they'll differ.
To clarify, jukebox musicals are known for featuring popular songs instead of original tracks, with Mamma Mia! and Moulin Rouge! the two most successful examples. Perhaps acquiring the rights to these songs explains why the budget for Joker: Folie à Deux is said to have ballooned to $200 million, a massive difference from its $60 million predecessor.
We've previously heard that the sequel will take place primarily in Arkham Asylum, with Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) meeting a kindred spirit in fellow patient Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). That's a departure from the comic books, but we're not exactly surprised considering the fact 2019's Joker was very much an Elseworlds story as well.
However, with set photos showing both Arthur and Harley on the loose in Gotham City, we're guessing there will come a point where they're freed to wreak havoc.
It's going to be interesting to find out where Phillips plans on taking this franchise. Bruce Wayne's parents were gunned down by a man dressed like a clown, and the stage was set for him to also go off the deep end and become a "Batman" eager to take his revenge on Fleck.
We're guessing it's still a little too soon for that, but have no doubt Joker: Folie à Deux will have some surprises in store for us. As the only DC movie being released in 2024, expectations are high and Warner Bros. is surely banking on this being a huge critical and commercial hit that helps usher in DC Studios' new era of storytelling with the DCU and future "Elseworlds" tales like The Batman II.
Joker: Folie à Deux is set to be released in theaters on October 4, 2024, exactly five years after Joker debuted.