The first official teaser trailer for the new Joker film has just been released, but fans can’t help but notice one thing.
Is that… Steve Coogan?
Now, we’re not for one second suggesting that an actor as talented as Middleton‘s very-own shouldn’t be booking roles left, right, and centre – especially following the success of his chilling turn as disgraced broadcaster, Jimmy Savile, in the BBC drama miniseries The Reckoning last year, which earned him a well-deserved BAFTA nomination – but we can’t exactly say we were expecting this’d be his next appearance.
Film and comic book fans have been highly-anticipating the release of the next instalment in the Joker franchise since the first film, Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix in his Oscar-winning lead role, came out to critical acclaim back in 2019.
And now, their wait is finally over, as the first trailer for the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, has just been unleashed onto the world ahead of its release in October.
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As you’d expect, within less than 24 hours since its release, the nearly-three-minute teaser trailer – which sees Phoenix reprise his role as Arthur Fleck / Joker, alongside Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn – for the upcoming musical psychological thriller film has already amassed several millions of views across all platforms it was shared on, and fans have been flocking in their thousands to social media and the comments sections to share their thoughts.
But, our personal favourite reactions to the trailer all lead back to one man… and that man, is Steve Coogan.
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Coogan steals the scene with his hard-hitting one line: “Tell us, what’s changed, Arthur?”
Of course, with this being merely a teaser trailer, and Coogan’s currently-unnamed role only expected to be a supporting one, it’s probably not surprising that his appearance in the trailer takes up just two seconds of time – but within those two seconds, it appears he’s certainly made an impression.
Film fans on social media have been quick to share their surprise and comical reactions to seeing Coogan in the trailer.
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“I can’t believe we live in a world where Steve Coogan and Lady Gaga are in a film together,” one fan wrote on X.
Another surprised comment reads: “Steve Coogan being in the Joker 2 trailer for 2 seconds is the strongest case for the film I’ve seen.”
"This Joker 2 trailer actually looks okay WAIT STEVE COOGAN?!?!"
A second fan commented: “I actually laughed out loud when Steve Coogan appeared in the Joker trailer,” while a third wrote: “Steve Coogan is the only reason I’ll be seated for Joker 2,” and a fourth added: “If this scene in the Joker 2 isn’t just Steve Coogan and The Joker seeing who does the better Michael Caine impression, then what the f**k are we even doing here.”
“Steve Coogan is in this, so Joker 2 is now part of the Alan Partridge Extended Universe,” another fan comically wrote on X.
Another fan wrote: “Steve Coogan caught me off guard.”
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Basically, if we’re to try and sum the overall reaction of fans up in one simple word, that word would have to be shock.
To be honest, we think this fan on X put it best: “Steve Coogan was the last person I expected to turn up in the Joker 2 trailer, but here we are.”
Joker: Folie à Deux is scheduled for a worldwide release on 4 October 2024.
Featured Image – Warner Bros. Pictures
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Kobbie Mainoo shouts out more of his favourite food spots in Manchester
Danny Jones
Man United star Kobbie Mainoo is back putting people onto his favourite places to eat in Manchester, and judging by his picks, he doesn’t just know football – he knows his food spots too.
The Stockport-born footballer turned 20 years old this month, and as well as celebrating leaving his teens with that impressive goal in the comeback against Lyon, the Manchester United midfielder was met with a birthday cake by his club, along with a fun little game of 20 questions.
Sharing the short but insightful Q&A, in which the number 37 dove into his favourite parts of matchdays, the best birthday gift he’s ever received, as well as the tried and tested dream dinner guest lineup.
Naming a very sporty trio of Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan and Jon Jones, the only logical next step was to ask him where his favourite places to eat around Manchester were, to which he answered…
That’s right, spotlighting a personal favourite of ours, the first Manc venue on his list was Pho Cue, the authentic family-run Vietnamese spot known for great value, top-quality street food such as their big hitter bánh mìs, as well as big queues every lunchtime.
If you don’t know already, then get to know.
As you can see, the second place he mentioned with the booked-up-till-kingdom come Onda Pasta Bar, which went viral for its ‘Tiramisu drawer’ last year and opened their first proper restaurant back in June.
Since then, it’s fair to say it’s more popular than ever and you’re lucky to get a table; if you, however, you’ll be treated to some of the most luxurious and indulgent pasta not just in Manchester but probably anywhere in the country, if you ask us.
These latest shout-outs come after Mainoo famously put Salford’s culinary kings, Burgerism, on the nationwide map after name-dropping them in his British GQ interview in November 2024.
You can watch the full thing HERE, but you already know the biggest takeaway from that chat, quite literally: the boy knows his burgers.
Kobbie is actually just one of several famous faces to have proclaimed Burgerism as the best in the business, at least in Greater Manchester of late.
Not only have British influencers Ollie Ball and Jacob Pasquill now become seemingly regular presenters on their social media, but online content creator turned boxer and WWE star Logan Paul also visited the beloved burger joint and reviewed it during a recent visit to the UK.
We’ll confess we’re more likely to take the local lad’s word on board over the bloke who used to make Vines, but it’s just yet more proof that the Manc food scene is top tier.
Come on, just look at the state of these selections:
Not a bad little spread there, Kobb… (Credit: The Manc Eats)
We’re not sure how much of this stuff Mainoo is allowed on the diet sheet, but we can at least confirm that Kobbie knows his Manchester food, and as far as favourites go, we might just stand a chance of becoming best friends yet.
Happy birthday to a young man with a very bright future and hopefully a very active metabolism.
Featured Images — Manchester United/The Manc Group
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Marcus Rashford reportedly sheds light on his future
Danny Jones
Manchester United star and current Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford has reportedly shed some light on his future, i.e. whether or notit remains at Old Trafford.
Wythenshawe’s world-famous winger and England international has spent the last few months on loan at Villa after being sidelined by Man United head coach Ruben Amorim.
Since arriving in Birmingham, he’s managed to discover some of the form that made him one of the Premier League‘s most talented players and still one of the most sought-after in Europe, registering four goals and 5 assists in 16 games under new manager Unai Emery.
Having already labelled him ‘one of the world’s dangerous attackers’ before his arrival at Villa Park was confirmed, going on to insist that he is steadily “regaining confidence”, it’s clear that his new gaffer would happily keep and it seems like Rashford now feels a permanent move elsewhere might suit him.
Marcus Rashford not in any hurry to decide his future. Will wait until the summer before talking to anyone. https://t.co/RtQqbKKs9j
While BBC Sport’s Simon Stone reported that Rashford is “not in any hurry” to decide where he goes next, the football writer and reliable transfer source did note that the 27-year-old at least “feels it is unlikely he will play for Manchester United again under Ruben Amorim.”
It is thought that the Portuguese ex-midfielder and former Sporting CP boss had taken issue with Rashford over his effort levels in training and application in games, the suggestion being that the lifelong Red Devil wasn’t quite buying into his ideas.
As a result, Stone goes on to add that “while his United contract is due to run until 2028, and it is not completely out of the question Rashford might return, sources close to the player do not see an obvious way back into the Old Trafford fold.”
Not unlike the situation between Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho, with the fellow forward being ousted from the squad following a fall-out, leadership might prove a similar obstacle in this case as well.
That being said, and given the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are looking to build around their new manager as opposed to starting from square one yet again, a reconciliation between Amorim and Rashford would be required. Given how much he’s enjoying his football at Villa, it seems doubtful.
"It worked for both parties" 🤝
Gary Neville believes that Manchester United letting Marcus Rashford leave was still the right' decision 🔴 pic.twitter.com/DNAmejWKC3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 23, 2025
What little we do know regarding Rashford‘s future is that he looks to have ruled out a move to London and would prefer to settle at a team playing Champions League football, with Aston Villa in with a strong chance of finishing in the European places once again.
Villa are said to have an option buy clause worth around £40 million; other continental clubs said to still be interested in his signature include Barcelona and PSG.
You can watch the highlights from Rashford’s last game against familiar rivals Manchester City, in which he grabbed yet another goal for Villa, down below. He could have had two, were it not for the post…
Do you think Rashford should try and make a Villa move permanent, return home or look elsewhere?
Emily Sergeant -
10th April 2024 
