Lady Gaga on the Liberating Experience of Playing Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

In Joker: Folie à Deux, Lady Gaga reveals a freeing aspect of portraying Harley Quinn, which allowed her to tap into personal vulnerabilities. Gaga joined Joaquin Phoenix in a daring approach to the film’s musical numbers, singing live on stage alongside Phoenix during the film’s fantasy sequences. Despite Phoenix’s initial nerves, Gaga reassured him, encouraging an authentic performance that was more compelling than lip-syncing could ever be. She found this role both exhilarating and deeply personal.

Gaga felt drawn to the chaotic world of Arthur Fleck, played by Phoenix, and reflected on her own experiences through Harley Quinn’s discomfort and instability. “There’s a part of me in her that I’ve always been embarrassed about,” she admitted. Playing Quinn allowed her to explore emotions she usually hides, embracing those moments where her character teeters on the edge. This role marks her third major film appearance, following A Star is Born and House of Gucci.

Alongside the film, Gaga released Harlequin, a Joker-themed album where she reinterprets classic songs and adds two original tracks. The 13-track album complements her upcoming seventh studio project, which will drop its first single next month. Joker: Folie à Deux hits theaters on October 4.