‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ U.S. premiere: Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga are all smiles at Hollywood event

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga were all smiles as they brought September to an action-packed close at the “Joker: Folie à Deux” U.S. premiere in Hollywood. The event, held on Monday night at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX, was followed by an intimate reception at the Sunset Tower Hotel where cast members, producers, costume designers and more mix and mingled amongst the crowd.

The love between the two actors, who play companions in crime in the musical sequel, inspired some fans and influencers to dress in Arthur “Joker” Fleck-inspired costumes and makeup from head to toe, while others channeled Harleen “Lee” Quinzel’s eclectic fashion style. Quite the experience!

In the Warner Bros. psychological thriller, Arthur struggles with dual identities while being imprisoned at Arkham State Hospital for horrific murders committed during the first movie. As he awaits trial in New York, he stumbles upon a newfound love for Lee as they bond over shared trauma and communicate by singing popular songs from yesteryear.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” is directed by Todd Phillips, written by Scott Silver and Phillips, and produced by Phillips, Emma Tillinger Koskoff and Joseph Garner. Additional cast members include Brendan Gleeson as prison guard Jackie Sullivan, Catherine Keener as lawyer Maryanne Stewart, Zazie Beetz as former neighbor Sophie Dumond, Steve Coogan as journalist Paddy Meyers, and Harry Lawtey as district attorney Harvey Dent.

Before the film screened at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Phillips told the packed crowd that he wanted to thank Warner Bros. for “taking such a bold swing on this movie, because it’s not necessarily the sequel you might expect.” That’s no doubt a reference to the musical aspect of “Joker: Folie à Deux,” which makes it stand apart from all other installments in the DC Comics franchise.

The highly anticipated sequel, which is already receiving Oscar buzz, will open in theaters on Friday, October 4. Five years ago, the original “Joker” nabbed 11 Academy Awards nominations and won two for Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and Best Score (Hildur Guðnadóttir).

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