Lady Gaga's casting as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux was not the idea of the film's casting director. Francine Maisler, speaking at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, revealed that director Todd Phillips was the one who handpicked the pop star and Oscar winner for the iconic DC role — and that the performance far exceeded her own expectations.
Todd Phillips Chose Lady Gaga, Not the Casting Director
Maisler made a candid admission during her panel at the Czech Republic festival after seeing a cut of the film. She told the audience she had initially observed Gaga as "vulnerable and nervous," but was struck by an extraordinary screen presence that quickly won her over.
"I didn't suggest Lady Gaga. It wasn't my idea. That was Todd Phillips," Maisler said. "But I will tell you, she's really surprising. She's really good. We all saw what she can do in A Star Is Born — but this, man, she is good."
Gaga Holds Her Own Against Joaquin Phoenix
A key question for any co-star opposite Joaquin Phoenix — who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in the 2019 original — is whether they can match his intensity. Maisler is emphatic that Gaga does exactly that.
"Joaquin blows your mind, but that she could keep up with him, and be real — and not just wiped off the screen by what that role is and what the performance is — shows she's good," Maisler said.
A New Harley Quinn for a New Story
Joker: Folie à Deux released on October 4, 2024, starring Gaga opposite Phoenix. Gaga's Harley Quinn is a distinct take from Margot Robbie's celebrated portrayal of the character in Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey (2020), and The Suicide Squad (2021).
Maisler's enthusiastic endorsement — even while acknowledging she did not recommend Gaga herself — underscores how much the director's instinct paid off. Her closing word to audiences was simple: "She is going to blow your mind."
