Among the many comic books' superheroes, supervillains, and their sidekicks, there is no doubt that Harley Quinn is one of the most unique and popular henchwomen.
She debuted as a character at DC Comics, as a lover of the Joker, and also his accomplice.
Although Harley is the Joker's sidekick, she is sometimes more than a handful, even when alone, even when facing the likes of the Batman.
Joker: Folie à Deux is the sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 film Joker.
With Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck, Lady Gaga has joined the cast as Harley Quinn.
And the internet is simply divided by this.
On the internet, just like how netizens can be great sleuths, they can also appreciate, and comment on the small details.
When the public was first treated to a photo of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn on Instagram by Todd Phillips, many wondered how dangerous the alter ego would be.
Then, after it was revealed how Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn would consist of black-and-white checkered clothing with a red jacket, and her expressions with the character's red popping color and eye make up, many started wondering whether Lady Gaga could nail the character, in the way how Margot Robbie nailed the character.
Margot succeeded when portraying Harley Quinn, particularly in Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad, and netizens argued whether Lady Gaga's version of Harley Quinn is better, or worse.
While there’s always room for alternate interpretations and improvisation, many asked whether Lady Gaga, an Oscar-nominated actress, could make or break Joker: Folie à Deux.
Whereas Margot's Harley Quinn is more like a carefree woman who can cheerfully make fun of the worst of situations, and laugh in the face of death, Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn looks a lot more pristine and expensive.
Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn has an outfit that is more subtle than that of Margot Robbie's, but still pays homage to the character’s jester suit.
Then, there is the fact that superhero fans and cinema lovers in general cannot help themselves but to make note of how Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn's appeal can match that of the disturbed and deranged Joaquin Phoenix's version of the Joker.
In the comic books, Harley Quinn was Dr. Harleen Quinzel.
She was the Joker's psychiatrist at Gotham City's Arkham Asylum, before falling in love with the supervillain, and becomes the bleached white skin and blue-eyed character that resembles the Harlequin from the 16th-century theater commedia dell'arte.
And in the Joker: Folie à Deux, the fuss happened after the first time the public saw Lady Gaga sporting Harley Quinn's iconic looks since she was cast in the upcoming sequel, and Todd Phillips's post on Instagram.
It's worth noting that the photo can only give a taste of what’s to come, and that amid mixed comments, most people seem to be ready for Lady Gaga's approach of the villain/anti-heroine.
Even Margot is excited about Lady Gaga playing Harley.
She said that she hoped it would become one of those roles that "always gets passed from great actor to great actor."
Further reading: Photographer Mocked For Falling, And Inappropriately Touching Lady Gaga At The Oscars
