Joaquin Phoenix on 'Joker: Folie a Deux': A Tale of Love and Transformation

Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar-winning actor for 'The Joker,' has inspired a sequel with a dream. 'Joker: Folie a Deux,' premiering at Venice Film Festival, explores his character's transformation in jail, falling for Lady Gaga's Harleen Quinzel. The film combines courtroom drama, prison tale, and musical romance.

Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in the 2019 blockbuster, revealed on Wednesday that a dream he had about the character spurred director Todd Phillips to create a sequel.

'Joker: Folie a Deux,' which is premiering at the Venice Film Festival, picks up where the original left off, with Joker imprisoned and awaiting trial for multiple murders. In jail, he becomes captivated by fellow inmate Harleen Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga, resulting in a passionate, hallucinatory musical romance.

'I dreamed I was performing as Joker in songs and felt there could be something in it,' Phoenix shared at a press conference. The film, blending courtroom drama, prison life, and romantic musical elements, features Phoenix and Gaga performing unique renditions of classics like Judy Garland's 'Get Happy.' Phoenix underwent another significant weight loss for the role, while Gaga also transformed her singing style for the film.

(With inputs from agencies.)