Joker(2019) Joaquin Phoenix.Photo: Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros.
Joaquin Phoenixis preparing his award-winning smile for another close-up.
The Academy Award winner, 48, slips back into character as Arthur Fleck (a.k.a.Joker) in a first-look photo from the upcoming musical sequelJoker: Folie á Deux, which writer-directorTodd Phillipsshared Saturday on Instagram.
“Day 1. Our boy. #joker,” Phillips, 51, captioned the image, which shows Phoenix’s shirtless Fleck getting a shave with his head tilted back over a sink at Arkham Asylum.
The setting paves the way for his character to fall in love and team up with Dr. Harleen Quinzel (a.k.a.Harley Quinn), the beloved DC role in whichLady Gagawas cast in August. Sheconfirmed the casting newsand an Oct. 4, 2024 release date.
Margot Robbie, who played Harley in bothSuicide Squadmovies and 2020’sBirds of Prey, said in October that she’s “so happy” to see Gaga, 36, taking on the role.
Phoenix teased a potential sequel last October after Phillips was in talks to helm a follow-up to the film that grossed more than $1 billion worldwide.
“I mean, I dunno. From when we were shooting, we started to — you know, uhh,this is an interesting guy,” Phoenix told The Playlist. “There are some things we could do with this guy and could [explore] further. But as to whether we actually will? I don’t know.”
RELATED VIDEO: Joaquin Phoenix Recites Late Brother River’s Song Lyrics in Emotional Oscars Speech forJoker
Afterwinning his first Academy Awardfor his performance inJoker, Phoenix will reportedlyreceive a $20 million paycheckfor the sequel, according toVariety, following his $4.5 million payday for the original installment.
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Joker: Folie á Deuxpremieres Oct. 4, 2024 in theaters.
source: people.com
