Having recently watched a cut of directorTodd Phillips’ upcomingDCsequelJoker: Folie À Deux, casting directorFrancine Maislerhas admitted that she ‘didn’t suggestLady Gaga’ for the character of love interest Harley Quinn when first casting the sequel to thehighly successfulBatmanvillainspin-offJoker. According toVariety, Maisler spoke at theKarlovy Vary International Film Festivalabout her first thoughts on Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, and what fans can expect fromher performance in the highly anticipated jukebox musical. It happened to be director Phillips, not Maisler, who chose pop sensation and Oscar winner to play the role, with Gaga’s eventual performance surprising the casting director for the better.
The sequel, which is scheduled to hit theaters later this year on August 21, 2025, will star Gaga alongsideJoaquin Phoenixas the eponymous villain. Phoenix’s rendition of the Joker won him the Oscar for Best Actor in 2020,following on fromHeath Ledger’sposthumous Best Supporting Actor win in 2008 for playing The Joker inChristopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knight.Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinnis not the first live-action incarnation of the comic book character, withMargot Robbierecently playing the character in 2016’sSuicide Squad, 2020’sBirds of Prey, and 2021’s franchise soft-rebootThe Suicide Squad.
What did ‘Joker: Folie á Deux’s Casting Director Think Of Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn?
Before explaining her first thoughts on the casting process, casting director Francine Maisler assured fans ofGaga’s performance inJoker: Folie À Deux,saying, “He’s so good in it, you guys. She’s going to blow your mind.” Maisler Continued, explaining her surprise at Gaga’s talent alongside co-star Phoenix. She said, “I didn’t suggest Lady Gaga. It wasn’t my idea. That was Todd Phillips, before me. But I will tell you, she’s really surprising — and really good. I saw it andI was really surprised. I mean, we all knew what she could do in A Star Is Born, but I thought, ‘Oh, well, that’s kind of in her wheelhouse.’ Something she could do and just be real.But this… Man, she’s good.”
Maisler finished explaining her disbelief and “surprise” thatLady Gaga was able to retain on-screen presencebeside co-star Joaquin Phoenix. Maisler said, “Joaquin blows your mind, but that she could keep up with him, and be real — and not just wiped off the screen by what that role is and what the performance is — shows she’s good.”
Joker: Folie À Deuxis expected to hit theaters June 21, 2025. Stay tuned to Collider for more information. you’re able to find out more details about the film withour guide here.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Joker: Folie à Deux explores Arthur Fleck’s ongoing struggle with his dual identity as he unexpectedly discovers love and unleashes his hidden musical talent. Set against a backdrop of societal unrest, Arthur’s journey intertwines personal transformation with chaotic encounters, leading to profound shifts in his life and the world around him.
