While the Joker sequel had been rumoured to be in development for some time, an official announcement was only made by Phillips in June 2022. Deadline broke the news of Keener joining the Joker 2 cast, but as with previous casting announcements for the sequel, details are scarce.

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Keener will join Joker 2 in what the outlet describes as a “major role” opposite Phoenix and Gaga. However, the exact identity of Keener’s character is unknown, and Warner Bros. reportedly has no comment on the casting decision. News of Keener joining the cast comes just under a week after it was announced that Brendan Gleeson is joining Joker 2, though his role is also a mystery. In fact, even the role of Gaga is unknown, though fans believe she could be playing a new version of Harley Quinn, Joker’s on-and-off-again love interest and literal partner in crime in DC properties.

In addition to returning as director, Phillips will also co-write the Joker 2 script with Scott Silver, with whom he penned the screenplay for the first film. Plot details are just as scarce as the cast roles, but insiders suggest the story will be set in Arkham Asylum and that the film will also include musical elements. Production on the sequel, which will also see Zazie Beetz reprise her role as Sophie Dumond from the first Joker film, is expected to begin in December 2022.

Reactions to the first Joker film were across the board, with many praising it as a more serious take on the comic book films. Those fans often point to Joker’s $1 billion-plus box revenue and Phoenix’s Oscar-winning performance as the Clown Prince of Crime as proof of the film’s quality.

However, others believe Joker is a pale imitation of similar but superior films, including Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy. Whether those detractors will be convinced to see Joker 2 remains unknown, but perhaps the addition of talent like Keener, Gleeson, and Gaga will be enough to entice wary DC fans.

Joker: Folie à Deux is scheduled to be released in theaters on October 4, 2024.

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Source: Deadline