Casting director Francine Maisler praises Lady Gaga’s performance in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’: “She’s going to blow your mind”

The performance of Lady Gaga in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux‘ is going to blow your mind, says casting director Francine Maisler.

From the first trailer itself, we saw Gaga’s extraordinary portrayal of Harley Quinn‘s personality and performance. Speaking to Deadline during the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Maisler said, “She’s [Gaga] so good in it, you guys.”

Maisler continued, “She’s going to blow your mind. I didn’t suggest Lady Gaga. It wasn’t my idea. That was Todd Phillips, before me. But I will tell you, she’s really surprising — and really good. I saw it and I was really surprised. I mean, we all knew what she could do in A Star is Born, but I thought, ‘Oh, well, that’s kind of in her wheelhouse.’ Something she could do and just be real. But this… Man, she’s good. Joaquin blows your mind, but that she could keep up with him, and be real — and not just wiped off the screen by what that role is and what the performance is — shows she’s good.”

Todd Phillips is directing and stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, Gaga as Harley Quinn, Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey. Filming began in December 2022 and finished in April 2023. While filming was underway, leaked images of Gaga in New York City surfaced online. Gaga is playing the role of Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn), a psychiatrist who falls in love with Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) and is also his greatest supporter.

Lady Gaga on Her Version of Harley Quinn

During an interview with Access Hollywood, Gaga revealed that her version of Harley Quinn is very different from the comic book, as she did not draw inspiration from any iteration of Margot Robbie‘s portrayal or the animated shows’ Harley Quinn.

Gaga said, “You know my version of Harley is mine and it’s very authentic to this movie and these characters.” She added, “I’ve never done anything like I’ve done in this movie before, so it’s all going to be completely brand new and really fun,” she added.

Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios produce the film in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, Bron Creative, and Joint Effort.

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is set to premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024 before its theatrical release by Warner Bros. Pictures on October 4, 2024.

Source: Deadline