A new set video for Joker 2 shows Lady Gaga in the role of Harley Quinn, with the appearance of committing a crime in Gotham City. Having landed the role in director Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux, it has been revealed that Lady Gaga will be giving Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker sequel her classic female love interest from the comics, while also making the film a musical further exploring the depths of Arthur Fleck’s twisted mind. Likewise, the new footage already hints that Harley Quinn’s journey could closely follow that of the Joker from the first film. In the video from the set posted by Twitter user @Buzznviral, Lady Gaga can be seen outside a shop, throwing a trash can at the window and stealing a mini TV.
It certainly seems like Harley will be just as weary of the city as Arthur Fleck, who has become as problematic an icon for the disenfranchised as the Joker. While it’s unknown if Gaga’s Harley will be a psychiatrist in Arkham like in the comics, it makes sense that they would meet if they share the same feelings and struggles.
It’s safe to assume that Harley Quinn and the Joker will begin their romance within the walls of Arkham State Asylum, the comic book equivalent of Arkham Asylum for these DC Elseworlds films set outside the main cinematic universe A.D. Arthur Fleck’s brutality in refusing to play by the rules of Gotham City society gave him twisted celebrity status by the end of the first Joker. That’s something that will likely continue with Joker 2, something Harley might find appealing, especially if she’s a struggling and frustrated outsider herself.
However, this assumes that most of the events in the film actually happened, such as the massive riot caused by Arthur after he officially takes over as the Joker and Robert De Niro’s murder of Murray Franklin on live television. At the end of the first Joker, viewers wondered about what was real and what was in Arthur’s head, like his relationship with Zazie Beetz’ character Sophie. Either way, it’s exciting to see filming on the new DC movie is underway. Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn is a major addition to the franchise that can only enhance the Joker’s ongoing story, especially with the sequel heading in a new direction as a musical. Joker 2 is expected to hit theaters in October of 2024.