First Look Photos Drop of Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix in 'Joker' Sequel

It was a Valentine's Day present to die for... perhaps literally... when "Joker 2" writer-director Todd Phillips shared three first-look photos from the hotly awaited sequel showing Joaquin Phoenix as the iconic villain and Lady Gaga as his soul mate, Harley Quinn.

Posting from the fictional "Gotham City," Phillips captioned the pics with "Hoping your day is full of love," before adding the release date for the film, the official title of which is "Joker: Folie à Deux."

The day to circle in red on your cinematic calendar? Oct. 24 of this year.

The first image was in color, showing the two characters standing in full makeup and costume in a darkness-drenched environment.

The second and third images were in black-and-white, with one photo showing Phoenix and Gaga in profile as they lean toward one another and rub noses. Phoenix seems to be sticking his face through the bars of a prison cell while Gaga, standing outside the cell, smiles broadly at him.

The final image might be the most telling. It shows the Joker and Harley Quinn dancing on a rooftop, with a storybook city skyline in the background and a huge, romantic moon hovering above.

"Specific plot details for the second 'Joker' film are not yet known, although it's been described as a drama with musical elements set in and around Arkham Asylum," Variety detailed.

"The supporting cast includes returning 'Joker' star Zazie Beetz opposite franchise newcomers Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland and Harry Lawtey," Variey added.

Phillips' "Joker" presented an almost real-world version of the DC bad guy, whose moniker is "The Clown Prince of Crime." The followup seems like it might be more surreal.

Variety noted that Margot Robbie, who played the comic book character on the big screen in "Birds of Prey," has been all for the recasting of the role. Robbie "doubled down on her Gaga support in a Variety cover story published last month," the outlet recalled.

"I always wanted Harley to be a character that would get passed on to other actresses to play, the way there are so many iconic male characters," the article quoted Robbie as saying. "That was always the dream for her."

"Harley's so fun and can go in so many different directions," the "Babylon" star went on to say. "You put her in someone else's hands, and it's like, 'What are they going to do with her?' The options are endless."