Fans of Joker, the 2019 hit movie that took the world by storm, have eagerly awaited its sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. The first film, which brought Joaquin Phoenix an Academy Award for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck, became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. This time around, expectations are even higher with the inclusion of pop sensation Lady Gaga in the role of Harley Quinn.
With Joker: Folie à Deux hitting theaters in the US on October 4, 2024, and overseas on October 2, 2024, excitement has reached a fever pitch. As the release of the movie approaches, the buzz surrounding it has been palpable. Speculation about its plot, performances, and musical elements have been the main focus of discussion.
However, one question that's been floating around in the minds of many viewers is whether the film follows the modern superhero tradition of including a post-credits or mid-credits scene. To clarify Joker: Folie à Deux does not have any end-credit scenes at all.
Does Joker: Folie à Deux have a post-credits scene?
Joker: Folie à Deux does not have a post-credits or mid-credits scene. Fans who were expecting a little extra content after the movie ends may be disappointed, but there’s no need to linger in your seat once the credits start rolling. Director Todd Phillips has stayed consistent with the tone of the first Joker film, which also lacked any post-credits content, focusing instead on delivering a standalone narrative.
In interviews leading up to the release, Phillips made it clear that Joker: Folie à Deux was meant to conclude the story arc of Arthur Fleck and that there wouldn’t be a third film. While post-credit scenes have become a hallmark of superhero films, often hinting at future movies or introducing new characters, Joker as a franchise doesn’t follow these conventions.
This aligns with Phillips' intention to keep the Joker universe grounded, separate from the traditional superhero world populated by characters like Batman or Superman. For now, the story of Arthur Fleck concludes with this film, leaving no teases or cliffhangers for future installments.
What is Joker: Folie à Deux about?
Joker: Folie à Deux picks up where the original film left off, with Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham Asylum after his violent descent into madness. In the first Joker, audiences witnessed Arthur's transformation from a struggling, mentally ill man into the infamous Joker, a nihilistic figure who inspires chaos in Gotham City.
The sequel takes a closer look at Arthur's life inside Arkham and the evolution of his relationship with another patient, Harleen Quinzel, who later becomes Harley Quinn. While Joker (2019) was a deep psychological study of Arthur Fleck’s mental deterioration, Joker: Folie à Deux ventures into new territory by incorporating musical elements. Much of the film is expected to take place inside Arthur's mind, blending reality with fantasy as Arthur navigates his inner world and growing obsession with Harley Quinn. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the sequel, pushing it beyond a traditional psychological thriller into a surreal experience filled with musical performances.
Harleen Quinzel’s character will also get a more grounded, dark twist in this version. Unlike previous portrayals of Harley Quinn as a bubbly, eccentric anti-heroine, Lady Gaga’s Harley is manipulative and obsessive, with the film diving into how her relationship with Arthur spirals into a dangerous, codependent romance.
This focus on their toxic relationship offers an intense, intimate look at both characters' psychoses, giving the film a unique edge compared to typical superhero or villain stories. The title Folie à Deux itself is a reference to a psychiatric syndrome in which two people share a delusion, perfectly encapsulating the twisted love story at the heart of the film.
Cast details of Joker: Folie à Deux
The cast of Joker: Folie à Deux is packed with A-list talent, led once again by Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his role as Arthur Fleck, aka the Joker. Phoenix’s portrayal of the mentally unstable Arthur Fleck was widely praised in the original film, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
In this sequel, he delves even deeper into the Joker persona as he becomes more consumed by his own insanity and his relationship with Harley Quinn. Joining Phoenix is Lady Gaga, who takes on the role of Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn. Gaga’s casting has been one of the most talked-about aspects of the film, with fans excited to see how she approaches the iconic character.
Known for her powerful performances in A Star is Born and her bold persona as a pop star, Gaga brings a new energy to Harley Quinn, who in this film is portrayed as much darker and more grounded than previous versions. Gaga’s character will sing in the film, making the musical elements even more central to the plot.
Oscar nominees Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener also join the cast in significant roles. Gleeson plays Jackie Sullivan, a guard at Arkham State Hospital, where Arthur is held, while Keener portrays Maryanne Stewart, Arthur’s lawyer. Both actors bring gravitas to the film, adding to the overall intensity of the story.
Fans of the first Joker will also be pleased to see Zazie Beetz reprise her role as Sophie Dumond, Arthur’s former neighbor. In the original film, Arthur fantasized about having a romantic relationship with Sophie, only for it to be revealed that their relationship was entirely in his mind. Her return hints at how Arthur’s delusions and obsessions may continue to shape his reality in Folie à Deux.
Rounding out the cast is Harry Lawtey, who plays Harvey Dent, the newly elected assistant district attorney of Gotham. Although not a major character in this installment, Dent’s inclusion raises interesting questions about how the legal system in Gotham will deal with Arthur’s crimes, and whether he will become an even larger figure of chaos.
For the unversed, Joker: Folie à Deux is currently available only in theaters starting from October 4, 2024, while the details of its digital release are still awaited.