Warner Bros. has unveiled a new teaser for Joker: Folie à Deux, providing a glimpse into the evolution of the DC universe with the introduction of an iconic character: Harvey Dent.
This brief 30-second trailer not only revives Joaquin Phoenix’s role as Arthur Fleck but also integrates pivotal Batman comic characters into the storyline. The teaser marks Harry Lawtey’s (Industry) debut as Dent, showcasing him in a press conference scene that Arthur Fleck watches on television.
“Arthur Fleck is a monster. He knew exactly what he was doing. His depraved acts of violence led to riots by his followers, and they are still willing to commit acts of violence in his name,” Dent says. This portrayal of Dent as a staunch legal figure against Fleck’s chaos hints at his significance in the upcoming trial storyline of Arthur Fleck, suggesting a central role in the unfolding drama.
Joker: Folie à Deux stands out as the first live-action DC movie to feature Harvey Dent prominently without his Two-Face persona since Michael Keaton’s Batman. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of his character before his potential fall from grace.
This new portrayal of Harvey Dent also offers a fresh take on the character in the Joker universe, setting him in a time before Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Interestingly, this iteration presents Harvey as older than Bruce, a shift from their traditional depiction as contemporaries and allies.
In the DC Comics lore, Dent is known for his tragic transformation into the villain Two-Face, though initially, he serves as Gotham’s District Attorney. Lawtey joins the ranks of notable actors who have taken on the role, including Aaron Eckhart in The Dark Knight (2008), Billy Dee Williams in Batman (1989), and Tommy Lee Jones in Batman Forever (1995).
Warner Bros.’ strategy to incorporate such a pivotal character as Harvey Dent in Joker: Folie à Deux not only ties the film to the broader Batman mythology but also opens up possibilities for various narrative directions. Could this version of Dent remain Gotham’s legal champion, or will he eventually succumb to his darker side? With the film set to premiere next month, fans are eager to see which path Dent will take in this alternative depiction.
Joker: Folie à Deux laughs its way into cinemas on 4 October.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
