Three More Join The Cast Of 'Joker 2' Opposite Joaquin Phoenix

The cast of the upcoming sequel to DC's "Joker 2" continues to grow.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, actors Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Jacob Lofland have all signed on to the upcoming sequel, "Joker: Folie à Deux," opposite stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. The film is currently scheduled for an October 2024 release.

Jacob Lofland is a surging actor, whose past credits include the critically acclaimed 2012 film "Mud," the "Maze Runner" film franchise, "Justified," and "A House on the Bayou." THR reports that he has landed a "key role" in the upcoming sequel. He's expected to play an inmate in the famous Arkham Asylum, who develops a relationship with Phoenix's Arthur Fleck, aka Joker.

Meanwhile, Emmy Award-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson and Oscar-nominated thespian Catherine Keener are also reportedly listed on the calls sheet for the film. Thus far, their roles and characters in the film are unknown. However, while plot details are currently being kept quiet and under wraps, it's believed the plot of the new film will involve Arkham Asylum; the famous and iconic insane asylum and supervillain prison from the pages of DC Comics' "Batman."

The growing cast of "Joker 2" appears to be filled with acting powerhouses, especially with names such as Gleeson and Keener thrown into the mix. The 2019 film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning two for Best Actor (Phoenix) and Best Original Score (Hildur Guðnadóttir).

These actors join Joaquin Phoenix, who reprises his Academy Award-winning role from the first film, and Lady Gaga, who confirmed her casting last month, for the DC Universe sequel. She is expected to portray Harley Quinn.

Notably, the "Joker" film series is set in a timeline and universe independent of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), where Harley Quinn has been played by Margot Robbie over three films. Kaley Cuoco also voices the character in the hit HBO Max animated series, "Harley Quinn," which was recently renewed for a fourth season.

While little is known about the highly anticipated sequel, it has been reported that the film will be a Hollywood musical. Director Todd Phillips returns to the director's chair from his script that he collaborated on with co-writer Scott Silver, who penned the 2019 smash-hit with Phillips.

Additionally, Variety reported in August that the film could have a production budget of roughly $150 million, nearly three times that of the $55 million original. Warner Bros. Discovery has high expectations for the project, as they are willing to give bot Phoenix and Phillips much higher paydays to return.

Both actor and filmmaker are reportedly receiving $20 million paydays for the follow-up, with popstar Lady Gaga receiving $10 million for her participation. It certainly helps that the original film grossed over $1.074 billion worldwide, with $335 million of that take coming from domestic receipts.

Also, with regards to the film's title, "Folie à Deux," it's defined as a rare delusional disorder that is shared by two or more people with close emotional ties.

Curiously, it was reported last month by Variety that Zazie Beetz ("Deadpool 2," "Atlanta") was in talks to reprise her role as the single mother, Sophie Dumond, from the original. This means "Joker 2" could potentially resolve her uncertain fate that was left to moviegoers several years ago.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” is directed by Todd Phillips from a script by himself and Scott Silver. The sequel arrives in theaters on October 4, 2024.