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Joker: Folie à Deux

Joker: Folie à Deux is a 2024 American musical psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joker: Folie à Deux is a 2024 American musical psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips. It is the sequel to Joker (2019) and stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, with Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn/Lee Quinzel. The title refers to the French term folie à deux, meaning a shared delusion or mental illness between two people.

Plot

The film follows Arthur Fleck while he is institutionalized at Arkham State Hospital and awaiting trial, where he meets Harley Quinn and becomes involved in a relationship that drives the story.

Production

Todd Phillips returned to direct and co-write the screenplay with Scott Silver. The film was developed as a follow-up to Joker after its success.

Release

Warner Bros. released the film in theaters on October 4, 2024 in the United States.

Music and style

Unlike the first film, Joker: Folie à Deux was marketed and reviewed as a musical, incorporating songs into its psychological thriller framework.

Key facts

  • It is the sequel to the 2019 film Joker.
  • Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, also known as the Joker.
  • Lady Gaga appears as Harley Quinn/Lee Quinzel.
  • The film is described as a musical psychological thriller.
  • The title refers to the French term folie à deux, meaning a shared delusion or mental illness between two people.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know the film through its global theatrical release and coverage in Canadian entertainment media; it also drew attention because of its status as a major sequel in a globally distributed Hollywood franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What is Joker 2 called officially?
Its official title is Joker: Folie à Deux.
Is Joker: Folie à Deux a sequel?
Yes. It is the sequel to Joker (2019).
Who stars in Joker: Folie à Deux?
The film stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, with Phoenix returning as Arthur Fleck and Gaga playing Harley Quinn/Lee Quinzel.
Who directed Joker: Folie à Deux?
Todd Phillips directed the film.
When was Joker: Folie à Deux released?
It was released in the United States on October 4, 2024.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11315808/
    Supports: Official title, premise, and U.S. release date.
  2. Variety — https://variety.com/2022/film/news/joker-2-folie-a-deux-release-date-cast-plot-details-1235333968/
    Supports: Title, release date, director, screenplay, and Lady Gaga casting.
  3. Batman Wiki — https://batman.fandom.com/wiki/Joker:_Folie_%C3%A0_Deux
    Supports: Sequel status, director, stars, and release date.
  4. GameSpot — https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/joker-2-release-date-cast-trailer/2900-5255/
    Supports: Sequel description and meaning of the title.
  5. TheWrap — https://www.thewrap.com/joker-2-folie-a-deux-cast-release-date-trailer-musical/
    Supports: Plot description, release date, and Harley Quinn relationship.
  6. Radio X — https://www.radiox.co.uk/news/tv-film/joker-2-folie-a-deux-release-date-cast-trailers/
    Supports: Release date, premise, and explanation of *folie à deux*.
  7. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/warner-bros-sets-joker-2-release-date-1235192097/
    Supports: Release date, sequel title, director, screenplay, and casting context.
  8. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/joker-folie-a-deux-dc-film-review
    Supports: Musical style and song-based structure.