We are just less than a month away from the much-anticipated release of the Joker sequel Folie À Deux, which comes on the heels of the immense success of the first film. Joaquin Phoenix is set to reprise his role as the iconic character, known for his intense dedication to his craft. For his initial portrayal of the Joker, Phoenix committed to a significant weight loss to authentically embody the character’s emaciated appearance.
Interestingly, Phoenix revealed that the most challenging aspect of portraying the Joker was not the physical transformation or the pressure of assuming such an iconic role, but rather perfecting the character’s laugh. He admitted that it took him months of practice to master the infamous laugh, a crucial element in bringing the character to life.
The inspiration for the Joker’s distinctive laughter came from a condition known as “The Pseudobulbar Effect,” which director Todd Phillips introduced to Phoenix during their initial discussions. While initially uncertain about incorporating this affliction into the character, Phoenix ultimately drew from the idea of the Joker’s reactions being deemed inappropriate due to his disconnect from societal norms, making it part of his real nature coming to light, a concept he found intriguing.
Joker garnered widespread acclaim, securing prestigious awards such as two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and three BAFTA Awards. The sequel, Folie À Deux, is set to take a bold departure from its predecessor, as it will be a musical featuring the talented Lady Gaga in a starring role.