The highly anticipated sequel Joker: Folie à Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, captivated audiences worldwide. Released on October 4, 2024, this film is a continuation of Joker (2019), which held the title of the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. In this sequel, Arthur Fleck, played by Phoenix, is confined to Arkham Asylum after the series of crimes he committed in the previous film. It is in Arkham where he meets Harley Quinn, portrayed by Lady Gaga, leading to a twisted romance that forms the core of the plot.
Both Phoenix and Lady Gaga received massive salaries for their roles, earning considerably more than their co-stars. Their performances, particularly Phoenix’s portrayal of the psychotic clown Joker, drew significant attention and praise despite some controversy surrounding the film’s script and its musical elements.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Salary
Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his role as Arthur Fleck/Joker, was paid an impressive $20 million for his work in Joker: Folie à Deux. This marked a considerable increase from the $4.5 million he earned for the original Joker film. Phoenix’s performance in the first film was widely regarded as a masterpiece, earning him critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of the Joker in the sequel, delving deeper into the character’s chaotic psyche and dark romance with Harley Quinn, continued to captivate audiences. The increase in his salary reflects his growing star power and the high demand for his transformative acting skills.
Lady Gaga’s Salary
Lady Gaga, an acclaimed music star and actress, made her debut in the Joker universe as Harley Quinn, or “Lee” in this interpretation. Her performance as Joker’s new love interest drew immense attention from fans and critics alike. While her acting was deemed slightly overshadowed by Phoenix’s performance, her contribution to the film, particularly its musical aspects, was widely appreciated. She delivered several musical numbers in Folie à Deux, adding a unique layer to the film’s tone and atmosphere.
For her portrayal of Harley Quinn, Lady Gaga earned a substantial $12 million. This figure is a testament to her star power and ability to bring a massive audience to theaters. By 2024, Gaga’s net worth was reported to be over $300 million, with a significant portion of her wealth stemming from her ventures in both music and film. Her growing influence in Hollywood, after her success in films like A Star is Born, continues to expand her acting career alongside her music achievements.
Comparisons to Other Cast Members
Compared to Phoenix and Gaga, the other actors in Joker: Folie à Deux were paid much smaller salaries. Zazie Beetz, who reprised her role as Sophie Dumond, Arthur’s former love interest from the original film, earned just $500,000. Despite her character’s importance in the first film, her role in the sequel was much smaller.
Veteran actor Brendan Gleeson, who played the warden Jackie Sullivan at Arkham Asylum, received a paycheck of $450,000. His character was key to Arthur’s psychological development while imprisoned, but his salary was significantly less than that of the leading stars.
Catherine Keener, who played Arthur Fleck’s lawyer Maryanne Stewart, received $400,000. In the film, her character attempts to prove that Arthur’s actions were the result of a psychotic break and not fully under his control.
The salaries in Joker: Folie à Deux reflect the stark disparity between the film’s top stars and its supporting cast. Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, with their established fame and talent, were compensated tens of millions for their roles, while other actors were paid significantly less. Nonetheless, the financial success of the first Joker film, coupled with the anticipation surrounding the sequel, justifies these massive payouts for its leading actors.
