Editor’s Note: The following article contains spoilers for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’.After a five-year wait, the divisive sequel toTodd Phillips’Jokeris finally hitting theaters in the form ofJoker:Folie à Deux. Released in 2019,the firstJokerfilm took the world by storm, grossing over $1 billion at the worldwide box office, the highest ever for an R-rated film at the time, only having been upstaged by one movie, that being the recent smash-hit,Marvel’sDeadpool & Wolverine, which now holds the prestigious title. While it seems unlikely thatJoker: Folie à Deuxcan repeat the lightning-in-a-bottle success of its predecessor, this sequel looks to expand on the characters of the original while going in its own direction, taking elements from the musical and romance genres and blending them with the first film’s gritty tone.
Shortly after the massive success of the firstJoker, talks of a sequel began, withthe follow-up entering development in June 2022. Principal photography began in December 2022, with theTodd Phillips sequelfilming in New York City, Los Angeles, and New Jersey.Filming onJoker: Folie à Deuxwrapped in April 2023, leaving a nearly 18-month gap between the beginning of post-production and the film’s impending release. The film made its debut at theVenice International Film Festivalin September, where it garnered a mixed response from critics in attendance, but received praise for the performances of the film’s remarkable cast. Continue reading for an in-depth look atJoker: Folie à Deux’s cast and characters.
Joaquin Phoenix
Arthur Fleck/Joker
Having been confined in Arkham for the two years since the events of the first film,Arthur Fleck is awaiting trial for his crimes whenFolie à Deuxbegins. But when Fleck attends a music therapy class and meets the dazzlingHarleen “Lee” Quinzel, Arthur begins to feel as though he isn’t alone anymore and has someone to confide in. This begins the next chapter of Arthur’s journey as he finds the music that’s been inside of him all along and has his first run-in with an emotion he’d never truly felt before… love.
Joaquin Phoenix reprises the role of Arthur Fleck inJoker: Folie à Deux. Phoenix, having won theAcademy Award for Best Actorfor the firstJokermovie, takes his portrayal of DC’s most iconic villain to different heights inFolie à Deux, playing a more subdued and isolated Arthur than when audiences last saw him.Prior toFolie à Deux, Phoenix had never considered starring in a sequel to any of his projects, further conveying his passion for this character and story.
Harleen “Lee” Quinzel
As mentioned previously,Joker: Folie à Deux’s version of Harley Quinncomes into this story via a music therapy class, where Lee, an avid fan of Joker’s, immediately takes interest in Arthur, sparking a chaotic love affair full of song and dance numbers. This interpretation of Joker and Harley’s relationship differs heavily from previous depictions of the characters but fits squarely into theElseworlds-esque storythat Phillips has crafted with his twoJokerfilms. There’s an aura of mystery to Lee that adds a layer of complexity to the film’s central romance that other explorations of Joker and Harley’s unique dynamic have not previously portrayed.
Music sensation and Academy Award-winnerLady Gaga’s involvement inJoker: Folie à Deuxwas first announced back in 2022 via an Instagram post by Todd Phillips. While she had dipped her toe into acting many times prior, Gaga saw her big acting breakthrough inBradley Cooper’sA Star Is Bornin 2018, for which she received a nomination for Best Actress, and evenwon a gold statue for Best Original Song for the same movie. BetweenA Star Is BornandFolie à Deux,Gaga also starred inRidley Scott’sHouse of Gucci, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for her performance as Patrizia Reggiani.
Brendan Gleeson
Jackie Sullivan
Jackie Sullivan is one of Arkham’s corrupt guards, watching over the prisoners with an iron fist and giving no empathy towards Arthur in particular. Sullivan is a classic bully in uniform, willing to torment inmates and give those having a hard time an even worse time.Jackie Sullivan serves as one of the central antagonists ofJoker: Folie à Deux,and an easy character to root against, despite both Sullivan and Arthur being morally in the wrong.
Jackie Sullivan is portrayed by Academy Award-nomineeBrendan Gleeson. Known for playing a variety of memorable character roles, Gleeson is one of the more reliable performers in the industry when it comes to delivering exactly what a character requires. Gleeson’s most notable roles include that of’Mad-Eye' Moody from theHarry Potterfilm franchiseand the role of Colm Doherty in 2022’s awards darling,The Banshees of Inisherin, for which Gleeson received his first Oscar nomination.Gleeson can soon be seen in Sony and Amazon’sSpider-Noirseries, which is currently in production.
Catherine Keener
Maryanne Stewart
Maryanne Stewart serves as Arthur Fleck’s attorney in his criminal trial. Stewart also represents one of the few characters inFolie à Deuxwho seems to care for Arthur on a personal level, trying to help Arthur’s case to the best of her ability. Maryanne Stewart attempts to be the voice of reason for Arthur, almost like the angel on his shoulder, whereas Lady Gaga’s Lee represents the devil.
Two-time Academy Award-nomineeCatherine Keenergives the role of Maryanne Stewart far more dimension than a typical lawyer side character would receive, proving just how incredible an actor can be no matter the size of the role. Keener is largely known for her slew of excellent dramatic work and her tendency to embrace the quirkier side of the characters that she embodies. Alongside her Oscar-nominated performances inBeing John MalkovichandCapote, Keener played the role of Missy Armitage inJordan Peele’sGet Out, which stands as one of her more memorable portrayals.
Harry Lawtey
Harvey Dent
WhileHarvey Dent only has a small role inJoker: Folie à Deux, Harry Lawtey’s portrayal of the soon-to-be District Attorney plays up the smarmy charisma of the character as Dent serves as the prosecutor in Arthur’s trial. Despite his limited screen time, Lawtey turns in a memorable performance that embodies a much greener Harvey Dent than fans are used to seeing, which also helps Lawtey’s interpretation stand out among the rest. Lawtey has earned acclaim for his roles in films such asBenedictionandThe Pale Blue Eye, as well as theHBO original series,Industry.
Connor Storrie
An Important Arkham Inmate
In the final scene ofJoker: Folie à Deux, Arthur walks down the halls of Arkham, where he is stopped by a fellow inmate, who giddily asks him if he can tell a joke. Instead of giving a punchline, the inmate stabs Arthur multiple times, killing him. As Arthur bleeds out, the inmate laughs while using a knife to carve a smile onto his own face, much likeHeath Ledger’s Joker inThe Dark Knight. His true identity, whether he’s the real Joker, is left purposefully vague.
Connor Storrieis a relatively unknown actor, with his role in the musical sequel serving as his biggest movie to date. He has previously starred in indie films such asRileyandHeadless Horsemanand had a small role in an episode of theKathryn Hahn-led Hulu seriesTiny Beautiful Things.
Everybody Else in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
The all-star cast ofJoker: Folie à Deuxdoesn’t stop there, however. Here are the other talented performers who play a part in Arthur’s musical.
