Lady Gaga's initial reaction to Joaquin Phoenix singing in Joker: Folie à Deux was quite memorable. Phoenix, reprising his role as Arthur Fleck/Joker in the musical sequel to 2019's Joker, shared that Gaga's reaction included spitting up coffee upon hearing him sing for the first time. Despite the humorous start, the two artists collaborated to create a musical rhythm between their characters for the upcoming film.
Phoenix expressed gratitude for Gaga's encouragement, emphasizing her support for him to trust his instincts and embrace the discomfort of performing in a musical capacity. He highlighted the significance of music for his character, explaining that Arthur Fleck's musical inclinations were integral to his portrayal.
Joker: Folie à Deux, set to release on Oct. 4, delves into the relationship between Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn, portrayed by Gaga, as they navigate a tumultuous romantic journey post-incarceration at Arkham State Hospital.
Gaga, in her role as Harley Quinn, underwent a transformation in her singing voice to embody the character authentically. She emphasized the distinction between her persona as Lady Gaga and her portrayal of Lee/Harley Quinn, underscoring the effort she put into singing in character rather than as a performer.