Joker: Folie à Deux - Harley Quinn's Transformation: What's New?

If you've watched Joker or are a big fan of DC Comics you are in for a real treat. We get to meet a familiar face in the Joker universe, but not without an interesting twist, in the latest iteration called Joker: Folie a Deux!

id="harley-quinns-transformations">Harley Quinn's Transformations

Who is Harley Quinn and why do we even know about her?

For most of her Comic Book appearances and television iterations she's a fan favorite! We've seen this character portrayed in tons of Movies and tv shows and she even got a standalone animated series about her misadventures!

Fans will always have some interesting, creative changes and new spins and this one is especially different. The film shows a different version of Harley Quinn. She still looks like a pretty recognizable character! The design and aesthetic might feel slightly familiar to you but we have a lot of changes when it comes to this latest version of Harley Quinn as played by Lady Gaga.

Also Read: Joker: Folie à Deux Plot, Cast, Release Date & Everything We Know

Differences In The Name

Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn on the Joker Stairs Image

It may look familiar. But it does bring one interesting difference!

The name of Harley Quinn is tweaked slightly. She was initially presented in the movie by this alternate name.
Harley goes by the name, Lee when meeting Arthur Fleck, otherwise known as the Joker.

But it all comes out in the story! While you get to see the most basic version of Lee when first interacting, her full name gets to be seen later in the story, meaning she will never be totally anonymous. But in comics, the full name is "Harleen Quinzel" and shortens it to Harley Quinn.

Also Read: The Penguin Quotes: Memorable Lines from Gotham's Most Iconic Villain

Differences In Background:

Harley is known for being a therapist. It's one of those things we never expected for a villain like the Joker but as you get into it, her connection with the Joker is quite incredible. The story, even goes back in time to when she's introduced as a psychiatrist. "Harley Quinzel" who's committed to helping, gets the attention of this beloved villain, "The Joker"!

Well, we don't quite get this same backstory with Lady Gaga as she does not quite fit this role!

It seems she took a shortcut to connect with the Joker.

What might be different in this story! She chose a method for being a patient. In this movie we meet Harley, as a voluntary patient. A patient in a specific mental institution that most villains end up going to!

Also Read: Joker: Folie à Deux - Everything You Need To Know About The New Joker Movie

Differences In Her Family:

Dr Harleen Quinzel smiling and looking sideways in Batman Caped Crusader Image

As we are taken to another new part of her world in this movie. Harley really changes things! Her origin story is really compelling but in "Joker: Folie à Deux it is not about her, it's really about Arthur Fleck!

If you look into "Harley"'s backstory and look to the Comic Books we are shown a different life in contrast with what was seen on-screen.

The original story seems to focus a little more on her mom's Character! While the new storyline does seem to take on a different approach, they are together.

Her father, "Nick" was a bit of a shady criminal.
And her mom, "Sharon" is incredibly caring for "Harley!
We get to see that this dynamic remains in the movie but the characters were presented as not coming from a low-income family.

Also Read: The Batman Universe: Exploring Gotham's Villains and the Rise of The Penguin

How Different Is Harley's Personality:

Lee Quinzel/Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) making a hand gun shape in Joker: Folie à Deux Image

Fans who are used to seeing "Harley as someone who does all those flips and crazy, intense feats of gymnastics.

Well, Lady Gaga certainly got a chance to bring something new to Harley's style!
This is because in the movie. She embraces music! The big element "Joker: Folie à Deux takes on is singing and dancing.
You get to see just what makes "Harley" and the "Joker" come alive.
What was missing from the story of Harley's origin is those skills for gymnastics.
It appears she could only dream of those athletic ambitions.

However, in the comics this is an essential part of who Harley is and the way she got the attention of "The Joker"

id="what-s-special-about-harley">What's Special About Harley: Joker 2019 Joaquin Phoenix Gotham Riot and Arkham Custom Image Image

One of the big takeaways! What makes the comic books really interesting is that "Harley" doesn't quite start as a supervillain but more of a regular human. She had a connection with the well known Poison Ivy! It is with the help of this fantastic super villain Harley gets these crazy skills! The big element that brings Harley up to speed. This also makes "Harley" become incredibly skilled with those crazy and strong physical abilities. In addition to all of those powers, she has special defenses from anything chemical related.

However, this isn't what Lady Gaga took on! Lady Gaga is just like the average person.

We have to think, this might just change and the movie could offer that. We are introduced to Harley at a critical point of her transition. So that's certainly one of those exciting things that fans will look forward to as "Joker: Folie a Deux" continues its release in theaters.

As a fan you might find it super intriguing how these changes made Harley Quinzel in the DC Comics Universe come to life, with this very unique interpretation! And you are sure to get those big questions, will this version of Harley get to make those transformations? Fans will certainly have their minds filled with all these questions as the film really is taking these classic characters to new and compelling heights.

Joker: Folie à Deux - Harley Quinn's Transformation: What's New?

Differences In The Name

Differences In Background:

Differences In Her Family:

How Different Is Harley's Personality:

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