Not much is known about Joker 2. All we know for sure is the sequel is happening, it’s going to be a musical, and Lady Gaga has been added to the cast.
Todd Phillips is back as director after piecing together a brilliant first film, and Joaquin Phoenix will reprise the role that earned him an Oscar.
Lady Gaga joins a successful franchise that is opting to not just return, but to change the Joker world as we know it. The question for many, of course, is if she was the right pick.
Many DC fans love the rendition of Harley Quinn that Margot Robbie produced, so it’s fair to wonder if Gaga’s portrayal will be well-received.
I’ve compiled three good reasons for why it absolutely will be.
1. Joker 2 is a Musical and Lady Gaga is an Amazing Singer
Anytime you cast someone in a lead role of a musical, it’s probably a good idea you make sure they can sing. If they can’t, you’re stuck finding the perfect voice to match an amazing actress like The Greatest Showman did.
But nobody enjoys being duped, so going the first route is preferred.
Joker 2 has a capable singer in Joaquin Phoenix, but they hit a home run by adding a superstar artist in Lady Gaga.
In addition to her strong pipes, Gaga has made a career out of being visually stunning, whether it be dropping down from the sky in her Super Bowl halftime show, producing unforgettable music videos, or putting on breath-taking live shows.
Her stripped down performance at the 2023 Oscars even shines a light on her presence when the lights turn down, as well.
Lady Gaga doesn’t know how to half-ass this kind of thing, and she’s also a criminally underrated vocal talent. If you’re wondering if Lady Gaga will be a good Harley Quinn, context matters.
She personifies art, and she’s a brilliant musician. That’s precisely the type of person you want playing a deranged clown’s bae in a weird musical.
2. Lady Gaga Brings Oscar-Winning Talent to the Table
The fact that Lady Gaga is an accomplished singer, performer, and general artist alone probably makes her a brilliant choice to play Harley Quinn.
It can’t hurt that she’s also already an esteemed actress. She didn’t win for her role in A Star is Born, but she certainly could have.
Oh, there’s more.
Lady Gaga is not just a one-hit wonder in the acting department. She also dazzled as Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci, and she’s racked up 10 other acting credits over the course of a pretty limited Hollywood career.
Her part in House of Gucci earned her a BASTA nod, while both of her high profile roles got her recognized by the Golden Globes.
Lady Gaga isn’t just a singer and artist. She’s also a legit actress. If you’re curious if Gaga can handle the role of Harley Quinn from a talent and experience perspective, consider that question answered.
3. Gaga’s Harley Quinn Will Undoubtedly Be More Grounded
One of the most reasonable Joker 2 theories is that the movie largely takes place in a mental institution and/or the minds of the main characters.
Gaga will very likely start out as Arthur Fleck’s psychiatrist, or perhaps she is a fellow inmate that develops a bond with the Joker. Whatever the case, we’ve already seen from stills that the two grow close, and it’s a very complicated connection, just like in the comics.
To that point, nothing about what we’ve seen or heard suggests Gaga’s portrayal – or this warped relationship – will be campy.
Joker certainly wasn’t campy in any regards, so it’s fair to assume a sequel – even if it’s done musically – will still be fairly serious.
Needless to say, as good as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn was, there’s no denying it was quite campy, and almost too over the top at times.
Fans aren’t getting that with Gaga, who is a master of the arts and takes every project she does very seriously. That’s a big reason why she was a perfect Harley Quinn casting, and why I think she will crush this role in Joker 2.
Will Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn Be Good?
That’s a big yes from me. Obviously I can’t predict the future.
To this point, all that has leaked from the Joker sequel is a still where Gaga and Phoenix are staring at each other, as well as footage of multiple Jokers racing down the street.
Personally, I’m already sold.
But really, you’re adding pure artistry with someone like Lady Gaga, and you’re taking an exceptional movie and diving back into it with a musical spin.
Joker 2 is going to be a delightful disaster, and all signs point to Lady Gaga being an amazing addition.
Will she for sure be a more beloved Harley Quinn than Margot Robbie? I can’t say that, just because Robbie did a great job with the character, and she’s had more time to appeal to DC fans.
That said, the talent, look, and upside is on Gaga’s side. She’s the total package and if she fails as Harley Quinn, it’d be a surprise.
What are your thoughts on Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn? Do you think she’ll excel in the role, or do you wish someone else was cast for Joker 2? Let me hear it in the comments below!
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