Joaquin Phoenix endured an intense regimen for his role in "Joker: Folie à Deux," pushing his body and spirit to the brink. During a press gathering at the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday, September 4, ahead of the world premiere of the Todd Phillips-directed sequel, Phoenix opened up about the physical demands of his latest cinematic venture, which also stars Lady Gaga in a pivotal role.
Addressing the room of journalists, Phoenix refrained from delving into specifics about his diet but shared, “This time, it felt notably more arduous due to the sheer volume of dance rehearsals, something I didn’t have to contend with during the first film." Despite maintaining a methodical and cautious approach, the Oscar-winning actor confessed, "I’m 49 now; this is likely my swan song for roles that require this level of physical commitment."
Phoenix also revealed that Gaga, aged 38, underwent a significant transformation for her role, shedding a substantial amount of weight. Gaga reflected on the immersive nature of their preparation: "We evolved into our characters over time, refining every single nuance."
Reflecting on his drastic weight loss journey for the initial "Joker" film, Phoenix remarked, “Previously, I found myself speaking about it extensively, as it was a consuming process—almost an obsession—as you strive to achieve a specific look." He continued, "By the end of that journey, I was exasperated with myself for making such a spectacle of it. You just do what’s required of you. So this time, I resolved to keep quiet about it."
"Joker: Folie à Deux" is the much-anticipated continuation of 2019's "Joker," which also saw Phoenix in the lead role under Phillips' direction, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the iconic DC villain. The sequel introduces new cast members, including Harry Lawtey as Harvey Dent, Catherine Keener as Maryanne Stewart, and Steve Coogan as Paddy Meyers, while Zazie Beetz, Leigh Gill, and Sharon Washington reprise their roles from the original film.
The official synopsis reveals that "Joker: Folie à Deux" follows Arthur Fleck as he remains confined at Arkham Asylum, awaiting trial for his actions as the Joker. Amidst his inner turmoil and fractured identity, Arthur discovers both unexpected love and the latent music within him.
During the press conference, Phillips acknowledged the heightened pressure accompanying a sequel: "There are far greater expectations this time, which certainly adds to the tension." He previously told Empire that Phoenix’s take on the infamous villain would continue to diverge from other portrayals. "Arthur was never a mastermind of crime," Phillips elaborated. "He's unintentionally become a symbol to people, unwittingly paying for the sins of the first film, while ironically finding the one thing he ever craved—love."
The director added, "That’s always been at the core of who he is, despite being manipulated in countless directions. We endeavored to distill the purest essence of that narrative."
"Joker: Folie à Deux" is set to be released in theaters on October 4.
The Quran - Chapter Al-Haqqah : 44- 45
Had the Messenger made up something in Our Name,
We would have certainly seized him by his right hand,
