The debut trailer of “Joker: Folie à Deux” features Oscar winners Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, uniting for one of the most captivating entries of the 2024 theatrical lineup. Warner Bros. premiered the trailer at CinemaCon, where Joker 2 stood out as one of the most anticipated titles for theatre owners. This sequel follows the remarkable success of its predecessor, a billion-dollar box office hit that earned Phoenix an Oscar. However, the film takes a surprising turn by venturing into the musical genre.

Director Todd Phillips emphasized that the sequel shares similarities with the first film, where music played a crucial role.

Phillips explained, “We never discussed it as a musical. I prefer to describe it as a movie where music is integral. That doesn’t stray too far from the original.” In the first film, “Arthur embodies music. He possesses a certain grace.”

Before unveiling the trailer, Phillips expressed his desire to attend CinemaCon in 2020 solely to express gratitude to theatre owners, even though he didn’t have a film to promote.

“I really wanted to thank you all… Just before the first Joker was released, the narrative surrounding the film changed drastically,” he recalled, referencing concerns that the film might incite violence. He commended theatre owners for their resilience and support.

Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, while Lady Gaga portrays a character reportedly inspired by Harley Quinn from the comic books. The two characters are infamous for their tumultuous romantic relationship in the comics, with the film titled “Folie à Deux” referring to a medical term describing a shared mental disorder affecting two or more individuals, typically within the same family.

Watch the Joker 2 trailer here:

The original Joker surprised audiences in 2019 by grossing over $1 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history. Phoenix starred as a struggling comedian whose mental health deteriorates until he assumes the Joker persona, ultimately gaining folk-hero status as he incites chaos in Gotham. The sequel promises musical elements and reunites director Phillips with Lady Gaga after his work on her music-themed remake of “A Star Is Born.”

Phillips teased fans with glimpses of the film, sharing an Instagram post in December 2022 featuring Phoenix in character, followed by a Valentine’s Day 2023 reveal of Lady Gaga’s character alongside Phoenix.

The screenplay for the film was written by Phillips and Scott Silver. This Joker sequel is part of the DC Elseworlds series, which explores stories outside the main DC Universe overseen by DC Studios executives James Gunn and Peter Safran. Other projects under this banner include Matt Reeves’ “The Batman Part II” and an HBO Max series focusing on the Penguin.