As Joker 2 nears its release, director Todd Phillips has opened up about the future of Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn. During a red carpet event, Phillips discussed the possibility of a standalone film for Gaga’s Harleen Quinzel. He shared insights into his vision, suggesting that her character will remain within the two Joker films, with no plans for further expansion.
Todd Phillips gives discouraging update on Lady Gaga’s solo Harley Quinn movie after Joker 2
Joker: Folie à Deux or Joker 2 director Todd Phillips has dismissed the possibility of a standalone film for Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn.
When asked at the film’s Hollywood premiere about a potential spinoff featuring Gaga’s character, referred to as “Lee,” Phillips responded, “For me, I’ve always thought that these two movies kind of exist as their own thing. And, no. I know you’re trying to get the next thing, but I don’t want to go into that.” This suggests that Phillips views the Joker sequel as a self-contained story and there are currently no plans to expand Lee’s narrative.
In an August 2024 interview with Variety, Phillips also explained that he designed Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn to fit into the specific world of Joker. He deliberately removed the exaggerated traits seen in previous versions.
“The high voice, that accent, the gum-chewing and all that sort of sassy stuff that’s in the comics, we stripped that away,” Phillips said. “We wanted her to fit into this world of Gotham that we created from the first movie,” he further stated.
Joker: Folie à Deux, a 2024 psychological thriller and sequel to Joker (2019), follows Arthur Fleck as he forms a relationship with fellow inmate Lee Quinzel at Arkham State Hospital. The film explores their descent into madness, with Arthur’s followers starting a movement to free him. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker and Lady Gaga as Lee Quinzel in the lead. The cast also includes Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz.
The film is scheduled to release on October 4, 2024, in the U.S.
