Venice Film Festival Unveils Lineup with Joaquin Phoenix’s “Joker: Folie à Deux” Making a Splash

Venice, Italy – The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival is set to dazzle audiences with a lineup of highly anticipated films. From star-studded sequels to intense dramas, this year’s festival promises to be a cinematic feast for movie enthusiasts. The festival kicks off on August 28 with the world premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel to the 1988 comedy-horror hit. Warner Bros. will release the film internationally on September 4, followed by a North American release on September 6.

One of the highlights of the festival is Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the 2019 Golden Lion-winning film “Joker.” The film reunites Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, aka Joker, alongside Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. Other stars in the film include Zazie Beetz, Brendan Gleeson, and Catherine Keener. Additionally, Venice favorites Brad Pitt and George Clooney will grace the screens with “Wolfs,” an action drama directed by Jon Watts.

Angelina Jolie will also make an appearance in Venice with “Maria,” a biopic directed by Chilean director Pablo Larrain. The film follows the life of famed Opera diva Maria Callas and features a talented cast including Kodi Smit-McPhee and Valeria Golino. The festival will also showcase a diverse array of films, from documentaries like “Separated” by Errol Morris to TV series such as Alfonso Cuarón’s “Disclaimer.”

In the realm of documentaries, “From Darkness to Light” will shed light on Jerry Lewis’ unreleased Holocaust movie, “The Day the Clown Cried.” Festival director Alberto Barbera, who recently extended his contract through 2026, presented the lineup alongside Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. The prestigious Venice competition jury will be headed by French star Isabelle Huppert, with esteemed directors and actresses joining her in selecting the prestigious Golden Lion winner.

With a lineup as diverse and captivating as this year’s Venice Film Festival, movie lovers can expect a spellbinding cinematic experience like never before. Stay tuned for updates on the latest premieres, red carpet moments, and award winners from one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.