“Joker: Folie à Deux” has been given an R rating by the Motion Picture Association, it was revealed on Wednesday.
The musical sequel to 2019’s “Joker,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, has been rated R for “some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality and brief full nudity,” according to the MPA’s daily ratings bulletin.
This is in line with the original “Joker,” which was rated R for “strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, language and brief sexual images.”
Directed by Todd Phillips, “Joker: Folie à Deux” sees Phoenix reprise his role as the title character, with Gaga joining as his twisted lover Harley Quinn. The film also stars Zazie Beetz, Catherine Keener and Brendan Gleeson.
Though plot details are being kept under wraps, Variety exclusively revealed in March that the film will mostly be a jukebox musical, integrating at least 15 reinterpretations of well-known songs. One is said to be “That’s Entertainment” from the 1953 musical “The Band Wagon,” made famous by Judy Garland. However, one or two original songs may find their way onto the soundtrack.
After winning the Golden Lion at the 2019 Venice Film Festival, the first “Joker” movie grossed over $1 billion worldwide and led the 2020 Oscars with 11 nominations. Phoenix earned the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck, aka the Joker. Gaga has successfully made the transition into Hollywood, having starred in critically acclaimed films including “A Star Is Born” and “House of Gucci.” At the 2019 Oscars, she was nominated for best actress for her performance in “A Star Is Born,” and the track “Shallow” from the film took home the best original song prize.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is set to hit theaters on Oct. 4 from Warner Bros. Pictures.
