‘In Bruges’, ‘Harry Potter: The Golblet of Fire’ actor Brendan Gleeson joins the cast of Joker: Folie à Deux

Todd Phillips & Co. are expanding the cast of Joker 2 as veteran Irish actor Brendan Gleeson joins the team. Deadline confirms that Gleeson will be part of the exciting lineup that also includes Joaquin Pheonix, Lady Gaga, and Zazie Beets.

While Brendan Gleeson’s exact role in the upcoming sequel isn’t confirmed yet, the actor is expected to join the cast when the film goes on floors is set to go on floors later this year. Joker: Folie à Deux is scheduled to release on October 4, 2024.

Brendan Gleeson, 67, is known for his superb performances in films like Gangs of New York, In Bruges, The Guard, etc. He has reunited with his In Bruges gang of actor Colin Farrell and director Martin McDonagh for The Banshees of Inisherin.

Todd Phillips will be returning to helm the sequel based on a script he has co-written with Scott Sliver (Sliver also penned the first instalment). The 2019 film, Joker, saw Joaquin Pheonix’s Arthur Fleck attempt to escape the Arkham State hospital after assuming the avatar of the dreaded Joker. Pheonix will return to play the titular character in Joker 2 but the storyline of the film remains undisclosed as of now.

Another highlight of Joker: Folie à Deux is the inclusion of pop singer and actor Lady Gaga who will join the cast as Harley Quinn. The iconic Harley Quinn (created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm) comes into the DC universe as a maniacal ‘comic relief’ character who mainly functions as The Joker’s henchwoman: she is promoted as his sidekick and love interest.

The news of Lady Gaga playing Harley Quinn was met with a positive response but fans have now grown curious as to how the makers of Joker 2 will treat the character. Deadline also confirmed recently that Zazie Beets will reprise her role of Sophie Dumond, Arthur Fleck’s “love interest” in the 2019 film.