Joaquin Phoenix Nods to First Screen Joker Cesar Romero in Electrifying 'Joker 2' Trailer

MIAMI - Few characters are as iconic as the Joker, one of the Batman antagonists in the comics and all many of its screen adaptations. Few villains have managed to become the stars of their own show, and even fewer have captured the imagination of the audience by going viral many times.

One of those viral times happened last night with the release of the trailer for "Joker: Folie à Deux," the second movie with Joaquín Phoenix at the helm, this time accompanied by Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn.

The promotional video stars with a captivating scene set in the notorious Arkham Asylum, where Arthur Fleck, also known as the Joker, finds himself confined following the events of the first movie. It's there, amidst the grim surroundings, that Fleck encounters a fellow prisoner, Harley Quinn. Their initial interaction, an unconventional and twisted form of "meet cute," sets the stage for an intense and passionate romance.

The allure of the Joker

Behind the allure of the Joker are the portrayals of the actors who have gone inside the skin of the evil prankster who makes Batman's life a living hell. Legends like Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger have played him, but that pantheon also has a very special place for Latino artist Cesar Moreno.

Born in California to a Spanish father and a Cuban mother, Romero brought the Joker to life with a distinctive flair in the 1960s "Batman" television series. His portrayal was marked by a whimsical yet villainous charm, setting a high standard for the character. Joaquin Phoenix channels a similar depth and complexity in "Joker 2," honoring Romero's legacy while bringing his own unique interpretation to the role.

This sequel, directed by Todd Phillips, takes a fresh approach by incorporating musical elements, a creative divergence from the typical superhero genre. This choice allows for a deeper exploration of the Joker's psyche, a theme that resonates with Romero's portrayal, which also played with the boundaries of the character's sanity and theatrics.

Joker: Folie à Deux

Lady Gaga adds another layer to this narrative, bringing a new dynamic to the story. Her role as Harley Quinn, a character deeply intertwined with the Joker's world, promises to add depth and complexity to the film. The inclusion of musical numbers, blending with Hildur Guðnadóttir's score, illustrates this creative approach.

"Joker: Folie à Deux" operates as a DC Elseworlds project, existing outside the main DC Universe (DCU) continuity. This allows the filmmakers to explore the characters with greater creative freedom, much like Romero's Joker existed in a different context from the comic books of his time.

With a star-studded cast, including Zazie Beetz reprising her role as Sophie Dumond and new additions like Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Jacob Lofland, "Joker 2" promises a rich tapestry of performances. Filming took place in various locations, including the iconic "Joker Stairs" in the Bronx, NYC, adding a touch of authenticity to the Gotham setting.

Set for release on October 4, 2024, "Joker: Folie à Deux" is a highly anticipated film with a significantly larger budget compared to its predecessor. The excitement surrounding the release of the trailer is a testament to the enduring allure of the Joker character, a legacy shaped by actors like Cesar Romero and now carried forward by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga