Margot Robbie Celebrates Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’: A New Era for the Iconic DC Character
The announcement that Grammy and Oscar-winning superstar Lady Gaga would step into the vibrant, chaotic shoes of Harley Quinn for the highly anticipated Joker sequel, titled Joker: Folie à Deux, sent ripples of excitement across the entertainment world. Following in the footsteps of the beloved character’s most prominent live-action portrayer, Margot Robbie, anticipation for Gaga’s interpretation is at an all-time high. Robbie, who masterfully brought Harley Quinn to life across three distinct DC films—Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and The Suicide Squad—has voiced her profound enthusiasm for Gaga taking on the role, signaling a significant moment for the character’s evolving legacy.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight ahead of the Los Angeles premiere of her film Babylon, Margot Robbie, 32, expressed her genuine excitement for the casting. “I think she’s going to do an amazing job,” Robbie said of Gaga, 36. Her sentiment was not just one of support, but also a deep appreciation for the character’s enduring power. “I’m so excited; it’s all I could’ve ever hoped for Harley was that she would become one of those characters, kind of like Batman or Hamlet, that gets handed from actor to actor, [and] everyone gets a go at playing them.” This perspective highlights Robbie’s understanding of Harley Quinn as a truly iconic figure, capable of transcending individual portrayals and inspiring diverse interpretations.
Robbie further elaborated on this idea, stating, “So, I think it’s just credit to her as a character that people want to see her in multiple iterations. I’m excited.” Her comments underscore the unique position Harley Quinn now holds within popular culture. Much like legendary figures from classic literature and comic book lore, Harley Quinn has grown beyond a single actor’s definition, evolving into a multifaceted character open to fresh perspectives. This not only speaks volumes about the character’s inherent appeal but also about Robbie’s graceful acknowledgment of Harley’s expanding universe. For many fans, Margot Robbie’s portrayal redefined Harley Quinn for a new generation, bringing a blend of manic energy, surprising vulnerability, and chaotic charm that cemented her as a fan favorite. Her blessing for Lady Gaga’s casting reinforces a sense of continuity and respect for the character’s journey.
The Evolution of Harley Quinn: A Character for the Ages
Lady Gaga’s upcoming role places her in an esteemed lineage of talented individuals who have brought Harley Quinn to life across various mediums. Harley Quinn, originally Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum who falls madly in love with the Joker and becomes his devoted accomplice, first debuted in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992. She was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, initially intended for a single episode, but her immediate popularity led to her becoming a permanent fixture in the Batman rogues’ gallery and eventually a star in her own right. Her journey from a mere sidekick to an independent anti-heroine has captivated audiences globally, making her one of DC Comics’ most compelling and complex characters.
The original voice of Harley Quinn, setting the standard for the character’s unique blend of playfulness and menace, was Arleen Sorkin. Her iconic performance, alongside the late Kevin Conroy as Batman, remains a touchstone for many fans. Since Sorkin’s groundbreaking work, numerous actresses have contributed to the character’s rich tapestry:
- Gillian Jacobs lent her voice to the character in the 2021 animated movie, Injustice.
- Kaley Cuoco continues to deliver a critically acclaimed, R-rated, and fiercely independent portrayal of Harley in the popular HBO Max animated series Harley Quinn.
- Melissa Rauch, known for her role in The Big Bang Theory, voiced Harley Quinn for the 2017 animated film Batman and Harley Quinn.
- Mia Sara played the character in the live-action Birds of Prey series, offering an earlier, more grounded take.
- Hyden Walch provided the voice for Harley in The Batman animated series.
- Iconic voice actress Tara Strong has also left an indelible mark, voicing Harley in acclaimed video games like Batman: Arkham City and the Injustice series, carrying on Sorkin’s legacy with her own distinctive flair.
Each of these portrayals has added a unique layer to Harley Quinn, demonstrating her versatility and capacity for reinvention. Margot Robbie’s live-action performances further expanded this, showcasing a Harley who, despite her devotion to Joker, eventually finds her own chaotic path to self-discovery and empowerment. The character’s ability to resonate across different adaptations speaks to her deeply human, albeit twisted, core: a desire for love, acceptance, and a place to belong, no matter how unconventional or dangerous that path may be.
Lady Gaga’s Ascent and the ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Vision
Lady Gaga’s involvement in Joker: Folie à Deux, confirmed by the pop icon herself in August 2022, marks an exciting new chapter for Harley Quinn. Gaga shared a stylized animated snippet on social media featuring silhouettes of Joaquin Phoenix‘s Joker and her (presumably) Harley Quinn dancing against a crimson backdrop, set to Irving Berlin’s classic “Cheek to Cheek.” Her post also revealed the film’s title, which translates to “Madness for Two” in French, and its anticipated release date of October 4, 2024.
Joker: Folie à Deux
10.04.24 pic.twitter.com/obp7T9lBFL— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 4, 2022
Director Todd Phillips, who helmed the critically acclaimed and commercially successful 2019 Joker film, offered fans their initial glimpse into the sequel’s production. On December 10, he posted a captivating picture of Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck receiving a shave, accompanied by the simple yet evocative caption: “Day 1. Our boy. #joker.” This early look confirmed that the sequel would retain the gritty, character-driven aesthetic that defined its predecessor, while also hinting at the film’s unfolding narrative.
The most intriguing aspect of Joker: Folie à Deux is its rumored musical format. This creative decision has sparked considerable debate among fans, but actress Zazie Beetz, who will reprise her role as Sophie Dumond in the film, believes it “makes wonderful sense.” As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Beetz elaborated on her perspective:
“I wasn’t really surprised by that,” she said. “Todd [Phillips] has always had a creative approach to the character. I love musicals, and I think of them as the characters are feeling and experiencing so much that they can only sing and dance about it, whether in sorrow or in joy. And I can actually see that within myself as well, because singing and dancing is quite a cathartic experience for me. I was going through a really, really difficult time at one point in my life, and I just started dancing and crying by myself. And that was an expression that matched where I was at that moment. And so I can see Arthur [Fleck], who is feeling and experiencing so much, dancing and singing about it. He’s the Joker, so I think it makes sense to me.”
Beetz’s insightful commentary provides a compelling justification for the musical elements. In the context of Arthur Fleck’s deeply troubled psyche, where emotions run so intensely that verbal expression falls short, song and dance could serve as a powerful, cathartic outlet. Given Lady Gaga’s unparalleled talent as a singer and performer, her casting as Harley Quinn in a musical setting seems not just appropriate, but potentially revolutionary. Her ability to convey profound emotion through music and theatricality could unlock new dimensions for Harley Quinn, exploring her descent into madness and her twisted romance with Joker in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Gaga’s previous acting roles, particularly her Oscar-nominated performance in A Star Is Born and her critically acclaimed turn in House of Gucci, demonstrate her formidable dramatic range, proving she is more than capable of handling the complex demands of the character.
The Impact of a New Harley: ‘Folie à Deux’ and Beyond
The term “Folie à Deux” refers to a shared delusional disorder, where two or more individuals who are closely associated share the same delusion. This title perfectly encapsulates the toxic, interdependent relationship between the Joker and Harley Quinn, suggesting the film will delve deep into their mutual descent into madness. With Joaquin Phoenix’s intense and disturbing portrayal of Arthur Fleck as the Joker, combined with Lady Gaga’s theatricality and dramatic prowess, the film is poised to be a psychologically rich and visually arresting exploration of their intertwined psychosis.
Margot Robbie’s vision of Harley Quinn as a character capable of being reinterpreted by different actors, akin to Hamlet or Batman, signifies a new era for comic book cinema. It moves beyond the idea of a single definitive portrayal and embraces the richness that multiple perspectives can bring to a beloved character. While Robbie’s Harley Quinn thrived in a world of vibrant, albeit violent, absurdity, Gaga’s Harley will likely be steeped in the darker, more grounded, and psychologically tormented universe established by Todd Phillips’ Joker. This stark contrast promises a fresh take, offering audiences a Harley Quinn perhaps more rooted in the tragic origins of Dr. Harleen Quinzel before her full transformation into the Clown Princess of Crime.
The anticipation for Joker: Folie à Deux is not just about seeing a new star embody an iconic character, but also about witnessing how this new interpretation will contribute to the ongoing legacy of Harley Quinn. Lady Gaga’s unique blend of artistic talent and dramatic skill, combined with the film’s intriguing musical format and psychological depth, holds the promise of an unforgettable cinematic experience. Margot Robbie’s enthusiastic endorsement serves as a gracious passing of the torch, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the acting community and the enduring power of a character who continues to captivate and evolve.