Is 'Joker 2' last time we'll see Joaquin as Joker
Joaquin Phoenix, who is reprising his role as Arthur Fleck in the upcoming sequel to Joker, recently discussed the challenges of his weight loss regimen for the film. At a press conference during the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday, he revealed that shedding pounds was "a bit more difficult" this time due to the dance sequences in Joker: Folie a Deux. In preparation for the original 2019 film, Phoenix reportedly lost a significant 24kg.
Phoenix's diet and dance rehearsals for 'Joker 2'
Phoenix, who primarily consumed lettuce and steamed vegetables to achieve Fleck's thin appearance in the first film, did not disclose specific details about his diet this time. "I'm not going to talk through specifics of the diet, because I just think nobody wants to hear that," he said. However, he did mention that the process was more complicated due to the extensive dance rehearsals required in the second installment.
Phoenix acknowledged age factor in weight loss process
The actor, now 49, acknowledged that his age made the weight loss process more challenging. "So it felt a bit more difficult, but it is safe. But you're right, I'm now 49, I probably shouldn't do this again. This is probably it for me." He also praised his co-star Lady Gaga's transformation for the film: "Stefani also lost a lot of weight...It was really impressive."
Phoenix refrained from discussing weight loss specifics
When asked about the exact amount of weight he lost for the sequel, Phoenix said he didn't remember. He expressed regret over discussing his physical transformation in detail during the first film's press tour. "By the end of that run I was so sick of myself and angry at myself for making such a big deal about that part, because you just do what you're f_ing supposed to do."
'Joker 2' introduces new musical element to supervillain's story
Joker: Folie a Deux, the sequel to Todd Phillips's 2019 film Joker, introduces a new musical aspect to the narrative. The plot follows Fleck, now a patient at Arkham State Hospital, who falls for music therapist Lee (Gaga). As they navigate their shared delusions through music, Arthur's followers initiate a campaign to free him. The film is set two years after the events of the first installment. It will release in India on October 2.
