Brendan Gleeson Reveals Why He Joined Joker 2
Brendan Gleeson agreed to appear in Joker 2 because of Joquin Phoenix's performance in the first film.
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Brendan Gleeson has revealed why he joined the cast of Joker: Folie à Deux. While his deep respect for the director and a stellar script was definitely a draw, the Irish actor said the main attraction was the performance by Joaquin Phoenix in the 2019 original. Speaking to Collider, the 67-year-old who is best known for his portrayal of Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody in the Harry Potter film series, elaborated a little more.
Acknowledging that saying the material wasn’t the draw is a great way to avoid criteria questions, Brendan Gleeson said, “That performance as Joker in that first movie. It was one of the most extraordinary achievements.” He added that for Todd Phillips to have worked the movie around to allow for that, he didn’t have to be asked twice.
The Harry Potter alum previously worked with Phoenix Joaquin on The Village and is still in awe of his co-star’s performance on that project. Like Brendan Gleeson, the world was mesmerized by the star’s portrayal of the Crown Prince of Crime in Joker. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film told the origin story of Batman’s most famous arch-villain. Set in 1981, Arthur Fleck is seen as a failed stand-up comedian.
His descent into insanity ultimately inspires a violent countercultural revolution against the wealthy in a broken Gotham City. Joaquin Phoenix earned an Academy Award for his portrayal of the supervillain. The movie also received 11 nominations overall. Not to be outdone, Brendan Gleeson has been in several acclaimed features including Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, Braveheart, and Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven.
While most details about the Joker sequel are being kept firmly under wraps, Todd Phillips is returning to direct from a script he co-wrote with Scott Silver. The story will have a musical element and is set in Arkham Asylum, The Hollywood Reporter says. Along with Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener and Jacob Lofland are set to join the film in undisclosed roles.
Lady Gaga has been cast as Harley Quinn and Zazie Beetz will reprise her role as Sophie Dumond, Arthur’s love interest from the original. According to Deadline Joker: Folie à Deux, which is expected to begin production this December, is scheduled for release on October 4, 2024. It will be interesting to see if other actors, Brendan Gleeson are compelled to join the cast solely for the opportunity to work with Joaquin Phoenix.
The sequel came as a surprise since its predecessor was supposed to be a standalone film. But after critical and commercial success Phillips began toying with the idea of a follow-up. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix’s salary, as a result of the acclaim increased from $4.5 million to $20 million for the sequel, Variety reports. Meanwhile, Brendan Gleeson can next be seen in The Banshees of Inisherin opposite Colin Farrell, Kerry Condon, and Barry Keoghan.
Billed as a 2022 black comedy-drama, the film was written and directed by Martin McDonagh. Set in a small town during the Irish Civil War, the story centers on a conflict between two best friends (played by Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell) after one of them abruptly ends their friendship. This has alarming consequences for both.
