Joker sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, will debut Lady Gaga as the popular DC villain Harley Quinn, but she looks like another DC character entirely. The Joker: Folie à Deux movie is due to be released on October 4, 2024, exactly 5 years after Joker made a splash as an R-rated DC Elseworlds release that ended up grossing over $1 billion worldwide, becoming the first R-rated movie in history to break that threshold. Todd Phillips and DC Studios are no doubt hoping to replicate this success with the sequel, which has the added benefit of Gaga’s star power.

As a DC Elseworlds movie – which is a DC production that falls outside the upcoming DC Universe continuity – Phillips is at liberty to wield ample creative license. Naming the titular villain Arthur Fleck is one example of this, while the trend will continue with Harley Quinn swapping Harleen Quinzel for the much simpler “Lee.” The more I hear about Gaga’s characterization of Lee, however, the more it becomes apparent that she barely resembles Harley Quinn at all, and instead bears a much closer resemblance to another DC character.

Joker: Foile Á Deux’s Harley Quinn Reveals Make Her More Like Another DC Villain

Two Joker: Folie à Deux trailers have provided further insight into the story. So far, it seems apparent that Arthur Fleck will meet Lee in Arkham before the two engage in a collaborative crime spree. In the background, Joker’s influence over the general populace has been kicked into overdrive as the two can be seen being championed by Joker’s new legion of followers clamoring for their freedom. It certainly makes Joker: Folie à Deux look like a compelling joyride – but it’s also something far more befitting of DC’s Punchline.

Harley Quinn’s relationship with Joker is traditionally far more problematic than it appears in these trailers. Punchline, on the other hand, was introduced as a stand-in for Harley after the latter’s relationship with Joker finally deteriorated and developed a much more collaborative relationship with the Clown Prince of Crime. Punchline also demonstrates a more prominent penchant for sadism and violence than her predecessor, who tends to veer into more chaotic and wacky territory. In Todd Phillips’ seedy, R-rated franchise, it seems obvious that Punchline is a much better fit.