Joker 2 labeled ‘one of the most daring, brave, and creative films in recent American cinema’

A trailer for the eagerly-anticipated sequel dropped yesterday.

The film, directed by Todd Phillips (The Hangover) and starring Lady Gaga alongside Joaquin Phoenix, is a follow-up to the 2019 box-office success.

Chief of Venice Film Festival Alberto Barbera was one of the lucky few who has been permitted to enjoy the film ahead of it's general release in October, and he opened up to Deadline about what fans can expect.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the highlights of the movie-making calendar, and this year's event will see Joker: Folie À Deux make its big-screen appearance before it hits cinemas worldwide the following month.

"It’s a continuation of the story but the film is completely different from the first film," Barbera said.

"If you’re expecting the same in terms of violence or other things, you’ll be surprised. When I saw the film in L.A. at the beginning of February there were four or five of us in the screening room, including writer Scott Silver, and we were astonished, our mouths were open at the end of the screening. It is a darker film.

"It’s a dystopian musical, or a musical of sorts," he added. "I think it’s one of the most daring, brave and creative films in recent American cinema. And I think it really confirms Todd Phillips as one of the most creative directors working at the moment."

If you weren't already excited for the sequel, you're bound to be after that glowing review.

Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.

Along with Phoenix and Gaga, the film also stars Oscar nominees Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin), Catherine Keener (Get Out), and Zazie Beetz, who reprises her role from the first film.

Reacting to the new trailer, people took to social media to voice their excitement for the film.

One person wrote: “Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga are going to give one of the best acting duo of the year. So happy to see them in a movie together.”

Another said: “My jaw is gonna be on the floor for another hour… That’s one of the greatest trailers I’ve ever seen.”

A third commented: “Whoever edits these trailers, needs to get a raise.”

Joker: Folie À Deux is slated to be released in cinemas on October 4 this year.