Fresh rumors once again circulate surrounding the development of Joker 2, AKA “Folie à Deux”. The title itself was teased by Todd Phillips, the writer, and director of the 2019’s film Joker. Many fans have already begun speculation on what “Folie à Deux” could have in store for Arthur Fleck since the psychiatrist phrase is the “Delusion or mental illness shared by two people.”
It seems that fans will soon have their questions answered, as new rumors have propped up stating that Lady Gaga is in the running to play none other than Harley Quinn. The film has a lot of potential for a Joker and Harley duo, as their relationship has evolved from their introduction in the Batman: The Animated Series.
10 No Good Deed
In one of the more recent comic books for Harley Quinn, DC Comics gave the now independent Harley Quinn another run at her series. Here, Harley returns to Gotham City after the events of the Joker War, and she decides to turn over a new leaf and join the ranks of Batman as the city’s protector.
Of course, Harley is still as goofy and crazy as ever, but with a struggling good conscious on her side. It would be interesting to see if this act of vigilantism could be presented in Joker 2 as a direct inspiration from Arthur Fleck and the riots he started.
9 Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass
Much like Joker (2019), “Breaking Glass” is a Harley Quinn-centric comic book that takes place in an alternate reality. Here, Harley Quinn is a teenager, and the comic represents a coming-of-age tale about choices, consequences, and morality.
Arthur Fleck was shown to audiences as lower-class and struck with poverty. Harley also follows suit in this comic, with socio-political commentary present. Quinn is even faced with the decision to join The Joker’s crusade to take down Gotham’s corporations. Something that Arthur might be keen to do in a sequel.
8 Harleen
As a reimagining of Harley Quinn’s origin from a new and prized psychiatrist into a costumed criminal, “Harleen” is a great read for fans of the character. The graphic novel delves deeper into Harleen’s mind, as it further fragments over the nightmares and fantasies surrounding The Joker.
Even with warnings from Arkham staff, and Batman himself, Harleen is still utterly fascinated by The Joker. He inspires her, since he says what she needs to hear, and understands her. It’s a great retelling and a tale that could be told in Joker 2.
7 Batman: Harley Quinn
This graphic novel was a one-shot issue written by the co-creator of Harley Quinn, Paul Dini. The comic takes place during the famed events of No Man’s Land, a story event that included Batman and his characters for the majority of 1999. The story acts as an origin of Harley Quinn meeting Poison Ivy, and a retelling of her transformation from Quinzel, to Quinn.
Joker and Harley’s relationship takes center stage for the majority of the comic. As their relationship develops, Joker finds himself falling in love, and decides to try and kill her. It’s a great dynamic that could work for Arthur and his Harley.
6 Hot In The City
As part of the first volume for Harley Quinn’s very first solo series in the New 52! line of DC comics, “Hot in the City” features Harley Quinn going solo, as she returns to Coney Island. The stories include Harley making her way in Coney Island, and becoming a roller derby queen, all whilst dabbling in a criminal career.
If Joker 2 features “Hot in the City” as a storyline, it would make many fans curious about how to pull it off. Since Harley is already an established character in this book, it would make her have a past with Joker, and tell an interesting side or main story.
5 Mightier Than The Sword
When Harley Quinn is released from Arkham Asylum (again) and deemed legally sane, she ponders on what to do upon her release. Harley recounts her many misadventures and activities with The Clown Prince of Crime, The Joker. She decides to write a “tell-all” book about her time with him.
For Joker, this is a major issue that needs to be stomped out. He employs many tactics to try and stop his former flame. Arthur Fleck may find love in Harley Quinn for Joker 2, and when he realizes she just wants to use her experiences with him to create a book, he may find himself hunting her.
4 Power Outage
As the second volume to the New 52! Harley Quinn's series, “Power Outage” features many more adventures from the Clown Princess of Crime, from visiting comic con to stumbling across an underground fight club. She even teams up with an elderly retiree Sy Borgman.
What’s most notable is the inclusion from Harley Quinn: Futures End. Which features Harley and Joker trapped on a deserted island, and soon getting on each other’s nerves. That is until they find a ritualistic tribe that wants to sacrifice them.
3 Kiss Kiss Bang Stab
Featuring the New 52! Issues of Harley Quinn 14 to 16, and more importantly the Valentine’s Day Special, this issue alone is a story that could be adapted for Joker 2. When Harley Quinn discovers that Bruce Wayne is set to be auctioned at a charity event for a dinner date, Harley does anything she can to pursue it.
The story involves her stealing from the rich to try and score a date with the billionaire. The relationship could work as a creepy tale, much like Arthur and his infatuation with Sophie Dumond, which had him fake a relationship in his head. It could show audiences that Harley is just as crazy, as she seeks out a still-grieving Bruce Wayne.
2 Preludes And Knock-Knock Jokes
Harley’s first solo run after her debut on Batman: The Animated Series, this series by Karl Kesel shines the spotlight on the Joker’s former lovable partner in crime. Here, Harley decides to ride solo after yet another assassination attempt from her beloved Puddin’.
Her life away from Joker is filled with interesting adventures as she tries to go independent, and run a successful criminal business without the fame that came with Joker’s namesake. Harley is one DC character who has a bad habit of making things worse for herself. The story could very well be adapted for Joker 2 with Harley already being rather professional in the criminal business and having Arthur be a mentor, a reversal of roles.
1 Mad Love
Perhaps the most famed story to feature Harley Quinn, “Mad Love” is set in the Batman: The Animated Series universe, and includes the creators of the show, Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, as the authors and artists. “Mad Love” acts as an origin story of Harleen Quinzel, from teenage gymnast to college student, to psychiatrist infatuated with The Joker.
“Mad Love” is often regarded as the pinnacle story between Joker and Harley, as it features her obsession with him and his disregard and abuse for her. In a last-ditch effort to get Joker to obsess over her, she attempts to kill Batman for him, which sends him into one of his worst fits of rage against her.
Joker: Folie à Deux is currently in development at Warner Bros. Pictures