Lady Gaga has announced that she will co-star with Joaquin Phoenix in the upcoming Joker sequel, directed by Todd Phillips.

Earlier today (August 4), the musician and actor, real name Stefani Germanotta, shared a teaser from the movie, reiterating her and Phoenix's participation in Joker: Folie à Deux.

In June, Phillips shared a cover of the screenplay co-written with collaborator Scott Silver and a picture of Phoenix reading it, confirming that a Joker sequel was in the works.

Shortly after Folie à Deux was revealed, it was reported that Gaga was in early discussions to play Harley Quinn, the Joker’s psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, who falls in love with him, helps him escape the facility, and eventually becomes his sidekick and love interest. It was also rumoured that the film – the title of which translates to “shared madness” in French – would be a musical.

Gaga has had multiple starring roles in recent years, such as 2018’s A Star Is Born – which Phillips produced – and last year’s House of Gucci.

Gaga’s confirmation of her involvement in the film comes shortly after its release date was announced. Folie à Deux is set to arrive in cinemas on October 4, 2024 – exactly five years after the original Joker was released. According to Deadline, production on Joker: Folie à Deux will begin in December.

In a five-star review upon its release in 2019, NME declared the original Joker an “instant classic,” praising Phoenix’s performance as Arthur Fleck. “The appearance is one thing, but the all-round delivery is a tour-de-force,” wrote Greg Wetherall.

“He pulls off the difficult trick of delivering an anti-hero who connects with the viewer even though they may deplore his decisions and abhor his actions." "Phoenix translates this discombobulating sensation out of the screen and into your senses.”