Is Joker 2 Going to Be a Musical? And Why Do We Keep Asking About Clowns and Jazz?

The question of whether Joker: Folie à Deux will be a musical has been swirling around the internet ever since rumors of Lady Gaga’s involvement as Harley Quinn surfaced. The idea of a gritty, psychological thriller like Joker (2019) transforming into a full-blown musical seems both absurd and intriguing. But let’s break it down: is this a possibility, or just another wild fan theory? And more importantly, why are we so obsessed with clowns and jazz in the first place?

The Case for a Musical

1. Lady Gaga’s Involvement: Lady Gaga, a powerhouse vocalist and actress, is confirmed to play Harley Quinn in the sequel. Her background in music and her success in A Star is Born make her a natural fit for a musical format. Could her role involve singing? Absolutely. The idea of Harley Quinn breaking into song isn’t far-fetched, especially given her chaotic and theatrical personality.

2. Arthur Fleck’s Connection to Music: In the first film, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is shown dancing and expressing himself through movement. His iconic staircase dance sequence became a cultural phenomenon. Music and dance are already integral to his character, so expanding this into a musical format wouldn’t feel entirely out of place.

3. The “Folie à Deux” Title: The subtitle Folie à Deux translates to “a madness shared by two,” hinting at the symbiotic relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn. A musical could serve as a metaphor for their shared delusions, with songs acting as a window into their fractured psyches.

4. Todd Phillips’ Vision: Director Todd Phillips has proven he can take risks. The first Joker was a bold departure from traditional superhero films, and a musical sequel would certainly continue that trend. Phillips has also mentioned that the sequel will explore new genres, leaving the door open for musical elements.

The Case Against a Musical

1. Tone Consistency: The first Joker was a dark, grounded exploration of mental illness and societal decay. Introducing musical numbers could undermine the serious tone that made the original so impactful. Fans might find it jarring to see Arthur Fleck singing and dancing after the grim events of the first film.

2. Genre Expectations: While Joker was a critical and commercial success, it was marketed as a psychological thriller. A sudden shift to a musical could alienate audiences who aren’t fans of the genre. The risk of alienating the core fanbase is significant.

3. Practical Challenges: Filming a musical requires a different set of skills and resources. Choreography, original songs, and elaborate set pieces would add layers of complexity to the production. Given the already high expectations for the sequel, this could be a risky move.

The Middle Ground: A Hybrid Approach

Perhaps the most plausible scenario is a hybrid approach, where musical elements are woven into the narrative without fully committing to a traditional musical format. For example:

• Diegetic Music: Songs could be part of the story world, such as performances by Harley Quinn or background music in key scenes.
• Surreal Sequences: Arthur Fleck’s hallucinations could include musical interludes, blending reality and fantasy in a way that feels organic to the story.
• Thematic Songs: Instead of full-blown musical numbers, the film could use songs to underscore emotional moments, similar to how A Star is Born integrates music into its narrative.

Why Are We So Obsessed with Clowns and Jazz?

The fascination with clowns and jazz in Joker isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s deeply rooted in the character’s history and the themes of the film. Clowns are inherently theatrical, embodying both humor and tragedy, much like Arthur Fleck himself. Jazz, with its improvisational nature and emotional depth, mirrors the chaos and unpredictability of the Joker’s psyche. Together, they create a unique aesthetic that sets Joker apart from other comic book adaptations.

Final Thoughts

Whether Joker: Folie à Deux will be a musical remains to be seen, but the possibility has certainly sparked a lively debate. A musical sequel could either elevate the franchise to new heights or risk alienating its core audience. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Todd Phillips and his team are not afraid to take risks, and that’s what makes the Joker saga so compelling.

Related Q&A

Q: Will Joaquin Phoenix sing in Joker 2?
A: While nothing has been confirmed, Joaquin Phoenix has a background in music and could potentially lend his voice to the film if it includes musical elements.

Q: How would a musical Joker film compare to other comic book musicals?
A: It would be a stark departure from traditional comic book musicals like The Lego Batman Movie or Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. A Joker musical would likely be darker and more psychological, aligning with the tone of the first film.

Q: Could a musical Joker work as a stage adaptation?
A: Absolutely. The theatrical nature of the Joker character and the potential for elaborate set pieces and choreography make it a strong candidate for a stage adaptation.

Q: What other genres could Joker 2 explore?
A: Besides a musical, Joker 2 could delve into romance, crime drama, or even horror, given the complex relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn.