Todd Phillips, director of Joker, created a character that is unlike any other previous rendition of the infamous supervillain. In this 2019 movie, actor Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal as the Joker was edgy, dark, and full of violence that had viewers on the edge of their seats. Normally, when a superhero movie has been released over and over, like in the cases of Batman and Joker, it is hard to expect any surprises.

However, in this rendition of the Joker’s origin story, the misunderstood villain shocked everyone, from his emaciated appearance to the detailed gore and bloodshed. And there are many memorable scenes that even if you had not seen the movie you would recognize. The imagery of the Joker dancing theatrically down the stairs is a major example of a scene that has been turned into countless memes over the years.

Phoenix even went so far as to lose 50 pounds in preparation for the role and created massive upheaval from the public as a result. It had severe negative impacts on his mental health and caused him to struggle on set. It did make his transformation to the daunting role feel real for him as well as for viewers who watched the movie. It makes me wonder if he will be willing to do it again in the upcoming Joker: Folie à Deux set to release in 2024.

And as with Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga has recently informed the public that she will be playing the role of Harley Quinn. Every fan knows the story of the Joker and Harley Quinn; she was his psychiatrist in the asylum before they fell into an abusive and intense romance. And similarly to the first movie, we can presume that the story will continue with the same dark thematic elements. But there is one twist: this new movie will be a musical.

We do not have to question Lady Gaga’s musical ability, but what about Phoenix’s? He may have talent, but is it enough to be in a musical? And I am curious to know how Todd Phillips will be able to maintain the same dark, vicious characters by adding musical elements.

And let’s not forget the big question: will Gaga be able to be as ruthless as Phoenix? Will she go to the lengths that he has gone to in this role? In the movies that she has starred in previously, she has done extremely well, but the public, myself included, wants to know how she chooses to portray Harley Quinn. It will be different from Margot Robbie’s DC Comics version, but the foundation of the story will be the same.

It will be interesting to compare the two and decide whether Lady Gaga does a more accurate rendition of the character. She certainly has the potential to do something unique, recalling her concert and music videos. At the very least, she will pull off the look of Harley Quinn. And she is a talented musician, so there are high hopes for her to do well in this sequel.