Lady Gaga Says She Changed Her Breathing to Sing as Harley Quinn For ‘Joker 2’

The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await the return of two of DC’s most iconic characters, Joker and Harley Quinn. Warner Bros. and DC’s upcoming film, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’ a sequel to the 2019 hit Joker, is set to hit theatres on 4th October 2024. The recent trailer has sparked excitement, and Lady Gaga’s involvement has only heightened the buzz.

In an interview with Empire Magazine, Lady Gaga shared insights into her unique approach to her role as Harley Quinn, also known as Lee in this film. Known for her powerful performances as a pop star, Gaga revealed that she had to adapt her singing style to the character.

Also Read: ‘Joker 2’ Casting Director Praises Lady Gaga: “She’s Going To Blow Your Mind”

“People know me by my stage name, Lady Gaga, right? That’s me as that performer, but that is not what this movie is; I’m playing a character,” she explained. Gaga emphasised that her singing in the film is “unlike anything she has ever done previously,” deliberately differing from her usual style to suit her character’s narrative.

To bring Harley Quinn to life, Gaga adopted a new voice and breathing pattern, something she described as a significant shift from her stage persona. “For me, there’s plenty of bum notes, actually, from Lee,” she admitted with a laugh, highlighting the raw and unpolished nature of her character’s voice. This departure from her typical controlled and precise singing style was a deliberate choice to align with the character’s personality and the storyline’s demands.

The first ‘Joker’ film, featuring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, was both a critical and commercial triumph, garnering 11 Oscar nominations and winning two, including Best Actor for Phoenix. In ‘Folie à Deux,’ Phoenix reprises his role, now joined by Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn. The plot follows their intertwined lives as they navigate a chaotic world together after Arthur’s release from Arkham State Hospital.

The film’s title, ‘Folie à Deux,’ refers to a shared psychotic disorder, hinting at the deep and complex relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn. The trailer suggests that their connection will be a central theme, exploring how they influence and support each other’s descent into madness.

Joining the cast are Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey, with Zazie Beetz returning as Sophie from the original film.