The storytelling centers on Arthur Fleck's trial, his fractured psyche, and rejection of the Joker persona in favor of personal authenticity, delivered through musical fantasy sequences that prioritize emotional turmoil over messaging. Casting features organic diversity with returning actress Zazie Beetz in a minor role and a predominantly white lead cast including Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga as a reimagined, manipulative Harley Quinn (Lee Quinzel), whose altered origin as a fellow Arkham inmate aligns with the film's grounded, non-comicbook tone rather than forced changes for representation.

No race or gender swaps disrupt source fidelity, and Lady Gaga's prominent role feels narratively justified by the musical format rather than DEI mandates. Director Todd Phillips, previously vocal against woke culture, shows no activist intent, emphasizing metafictional audience provocation instead. Reception backlash stems from the film's bombastic flop status, tonal shift to musical, and perceived betrayal of Joker fans by emasculating the icon—not from progressive elements—with many observers explicitly stating 'there's nothing woke about the movie; it's just bad.' This purity from contemporary ideological intrusions allows the work to stand as unadulterated dark entertainment, free from lectures or norm critiques.