Joker Director Explains Key Differences Between Margot Robbie and Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn

As an ardent fan who has lived and breathed Harley Quinn since her inception, I find myself at a crossroads with the upcoming Joker: Folie à Deux. Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley was nothing short of spectacular, embodying the chaotic energy and unpredictability that the character is known for. However, I must admit, the prospect of Lady Gaga stepping into those iconic stilettos has me intrigued.


In a surprising twist, the makers have opted to switch out Margot Robbie with Lady Gaga for the musical portrayal of Harley Quinn in the upcoming film “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Despite the exceptional job done by Margot Robbie in her previous roles, Todd Phillips, the director of the Joker, has highlighted the unique take on Harley Quinn that Lady Gaga will bring to the movie in recent interviews.

Todd Phillips on the differences between Margot Robbie and Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn

During an interview with Empire Magazine, Todd Phillips emphasized the distinct differences between Margot Robbie and Lady Gaga’s depictions of Harley Quinn in their respective films. While there may be some similarities to Robbie’s previous portrayal, Gaga brings a fresh, unique interpretation to the character in her upcoming project.

The director emphasized that Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn was influenced by comic books, yet they modified certain aspects according to their creative vision. Essentially, her character appears to be modeled after those who are excessively fascinated with serial killers and admire them in an unusual way.

In her portrayal, there are elements reminiscent of familiar traits, yet they’re uniquely interpreted by Gaga, myself, and Scott Silver. Similar to how Manson had his devoted followers, Gaga embodies a character who inspires such devotion in the film. While certain aspects of Harley in the movie originate from the comics, we adapted these elements according to our vision. This is what Phillips explained.

In his discussion, Todd Phillips emphasized his attempts to craft a unique version of Harley Quinn for Lady Gaga, revealing that he gathered extensive data on various intriguing aspects and aimed to blend this knowledge seamlessly while constructing her character.

He stated, “I made every effort to be well-informed about all the intriguing aspects of the character I was creating. However, my focus was primarily on understanding, ‘What is the essence of this story? And what role does Lee play in Arthur’s life, whether positively or negatively?'”

Lady Gaga on her upcoming film, Joker: Folie à Deux

Discussing the selection of Lady Gaga for the movie, Todd Phillips mentioned that it was the first time they incorporated a musical element in their DC film. As a result, they looked for an actor who could blend her music into the character. Indeed, Lady Gaga matches this description flawlessly, as she embodies the required vibe and possesses impressive musical abilities.

In contrast, Lady Gaga shared during her interview with the magazine that she considers her upcoming DC film, Joker: Folie à Deux, as not confined to the category of a psychological thriller alone. Instead, she emphasized that the movie transcends typical genre boundaries, encompassing a blend of various genres, such as drama and tragedy, making it a complex yet intriguing amalgamation.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d express it like this: “When discussing the unique nature of this film, I shared my perspective that it defies simple categorization. It’s not just a psychological thriller or a drama, but also a tragedy with comic undertones. The script was so vividly written that I could visualize the entire movie in my mind, which ultimately led me to accept the role. What sets this film apart is its intricate use of music – it’s not just background noise; it’s a carefully woven element that adds depth and dimension to the storyline.”

It remains to be seen how effectively the creators’ attempts will portray Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga, in the upcoming movie. The film’s trailer has given us a sneak peek into a more serious relationship between Harley and the Joker, but their love story takes an unexpected turn as their relationship dynamics shift. “Joker: Folie à Deux” is set to hit theaters on October 4, 2024.

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2024-08-04 17:08