Joker 2 plans Venice Film Festival premiere, plans to replicate prequel's success

The 81st Annual Venice Film Festival is poised to roll out the red carpet for Joker 2: Folie à Deux. The movie will be a sequel that revives Joaquin Phoenix's acclaimed portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime and introduces Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn in its twisted universe.

After the original Joker swept the Venice Film Festival by storm in 2019, clinching the prestigious Golden Lion, expectations are high for its successor. Set against the atmospheric allure of the Lido, Joker 2 is anticipated to be a shoo-in for the competition lineup, riding on the coattails of its predecessor's success and fascination with its complex protagonist.

The sequel will be directed again by Todd Phillips, and it will take a bold turn into musical territory. The movie promises a blend of gritty narrative and enthralling performances. Both of which aim at critical acclaim and box office success.

---

What did Joker win at the Venice Film Festival?

Joaquin Phoenix (Image via Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios)

In 2019, Joker by Todd Phillips emerged as a cinematic tour de force at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion, the festival's highest prize. The victory was a big deal because it proved that movies based on comic books can be serious and artistic and not just fun and games.

The movie resonated with people. Every viewer was pulled by Arthur Fleck's journey into becoming the Joker. The dark and deep storytelling set it apart from the usual superhero movies, which are more about action than intense personal drama. The success showed the festival's ability to bring up movies that attract critical praise and make a hit at the box office around the world.

Winning the Golden Lion was a major part of Joaquin Phoenix's acting career as well because his role as Arthur was so powerful and well-executed. It was a role that won him much praise from both random moviegoers and critics.

---

What is Joker 2 all about?

Joaquin and Lady Gaga (Image via Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios)

Joker 2 builds on the story from the first movie. It takes the viewers deeper into Arthur Fleck's chaotic life, but this time, his story is tied to a new character played by Lady Gaga. Unlike the first movie, this sequel is a musical. This is a big change from the raw feel of the original, but it still aims to be deeply emotional. Director Todd Phillips has developed the sequel with a focus on Arthur's disturbed relationships and his ongoing transition into the anti-hero.

The musical parts of the movie are expected to bring something new to the story. They are also expected to deepen the emotional impact and broaden the creative expression seen in the first film. With Lady Gaga joining, there will be much anticipation for her performance to match up well with Joaquin Phoenix's acclaimed role, making the next chapter in the Joker's story even more gripping.

---

What other movies can premiere at the Venice Film Festival?

74th Venice Film Festival (Image via Getty/Pascal Le Segretain)

The 81st Venice International Film Festival will be held from August 28, 2024, to September 7, 2024, at Lido di Venezia. It will feature several impressive films. Several high-profile entries likely to catch the eye of the global cinema audience have also made a name on the list. Among them, Johnny Depp's directorial venture Modì, a biopic of the artist Amedeo Modigliani, is generating major buzz.

Angelina Jolie stars in Pablo Larraín's Maria, which happens to be a biopic of opera legend Maria Callas. The film is expected to be a strong contender in the festival's lineup. Another anticipated entry is Luca Guadagnino's Queer, an adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel, featuring Daniel Craig.

---

These films, along with other entries such as Jon Watts' Wolfs and Ron Howard's Eden, promise to bring a diverse and engaging selection to the Lido.