Is Joker 2 a musical? Conflicting film crew comments explained
Warner Bros.Is Joker 2 actually a musical? Rumors around a possible genre switch have been swirling for months now, but are they actually true? Here’s what we know thanks to some recent comments from the film’s crew.
It’s already been five years since Todd Phillips defied expectations both critically and commercially with his surprise blockbuster in Joker. The dark rendition of DC’s iconic villain even won Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for his work.
Finally, the wait for a sequel is set to be rewarded later this year with Joker 2: Folie à Deux, set to hit theaters on October 4, 2024. Though will it be a traditional sequel?
With Lady Gaga joining the cast as Harley Quinn, rumors quickly spread the follow-up could see a musical pivot. However, here’s what we know for certain around the possibility of Joker 2 being a musical.
Warner Bros.Is Joker 2 a musical?
No, it appears Joker 2 will not be a musical after all. At least, not entirely.
Rumors first began circulating after some comments from composer Hildur Guðnadóttir gained traction online. The Joker 1 & 2 composer teased “there is going to be a lot of music” in the 2024 sequel. “That’s all I can give away,” they said in an interview with ComicBook.
Around the same time, Variety also reported the sequel will involve “complicated musical sequences,” with one insider allegedly claiming Joker 2 is similar in ways to A Star Is Born.
Some took this all to assume the film might be a musical on the whole, perhaps ditching the serious nature of the first and running wild with a series of song and dance performances as the Joker continues his spiral toward insanity.
Though the interpretation of these comments may have led many fans astray. On February 14, Joker 1 & 2 cinematographer Lawrence Sher shot down the leading theory, arguing it’s not, in fact, a musical at all.
“It just has music in it, that’s all,” Sher clarified. “Music is a part of the movie and the characters, but I don’t know if it’s a musical.”
So for now, it doesn’t appear fans can anticipate a full-fledged musical from start to finish when Joker 2 graces their screens. While the film may feature some singing and dancing, much like the first, with an original score all throughout, those directly involved aren’t classifying it as a musical.
As we’re still a ways off from the October release, we’re sure to learn plenty more in the coming months as to the film’s exact genre, and just how big a role music plays in it all.
We’ll be sure to update you here with any further details surrounding Joker 2 as they emerge.
