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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The Lottery Winners bring out Boy George, Bez and Jon McClure as special guests at Manchester residency
Danny Jones
It’s been an absolutely unreal 12 months for The Lottery Winners and to top it all, they rounded out the year in style by bringing out not one, not two, but three UK music icons for their recent run of Manchester gigs: Boy George, Bez from Happy Mondays and the Reverend himself, Jon McClure.
The high-flying indie pop group and local legends from Leigh toasted an unbelievable 2024 with their ‘Burning House Party’ residency, playing three consecutive nights at Manchester Academy.
Better yet, with their new album KOKO (Keep On Keeping On) set to release in the new year with several tracks including some rather big feature artists once again, they decided to bring out a few of those famous faces as special guests this past weekend.
The Greater Manchester band genuinely caught everyone by surprise when guitarist Robert Lally did the classic Stars In Their Eyes walk-off and was reintroduced as Boy George himself.
The former Culture Club lead singer went on to perform alongside the Wigan outfit as they played their track, ‘Let Me Down‘ – this being the first time they have performed it together live.
As mentioned, Boy George is just one of many impressive feature artists that The Lottery Winners have notched over the past year or so, having previously worked with Frank Turner, KT Tunstall and even fellow Manc, Shaun Ryder.
The Happy Mondays star featured in the music video for their song ‘Money’ on their last record, ART (Anxiety Replacement Therapy), and was arguably their biggest coup to date next to Turner, who has now worked on several tracks with the four-piece and played live with them on multiple occasions.
As another surprise on night two at Manchester Academy, frontman Thom Rylance might not have been able to bring out Ryder in the flesh, but he did rope in some hype-man help from long-standing band partner and best mate Bez to delight the crowd and shake his trademark maracas throughout.
Set to release in February, their upcoming fourth LP will not only see the return of Frank Turner for his third studio collaboration with the band, but they’re adding even more names into the Northern music mix for this latest record.
As well as songs featuring Rick Witter of Shed Seven and even Chad Kroeger of Nickleback – yes, we said Nickelback – their lead single also features Sheffield favourite Jon McClure of Reverend and the Makers.
Their uplifting track ‘You Again’ has enjoyed plenty of radio play since it was released back in September and the Yorkshireman also made an appearance during their city centre residency.
These lot have such a lovely, collaborative thing going on are we are absolutely here for it.
As if things weren’t massive enough already, having supported massive bands like Nickelback and headlining festivals like Kendal Calling this year, 2025 looks set to get even bigger for the gang with a potentially game-changing support slot.
Shayne Ward surprises Altrincham locals with a festive sing-song during Christmas karaoke
Danny Jones
Altrincham residents were treated to an unexpected guest this year as former X-Factor winner Shayne Ward popped into a local pub to join in with some Christmas karaoke.
The singer who won the 2005 edition of the reality show and originally hails from Tameside found himself over Trafford way this holiday season and gave those enjoying a sing-song after a few pints a real surprise last week.
If you’ve spent a decent amount of time in the area, you’ll know The Station Hotel is the place for karaoke and, as it turns out, it’s also the place to see Shayne Ward singing a beloved British ballad.
Who knew when he sang ‘That’s My Goal’ he was talking about delighting crowds in a quaint market town during the festive period?
As you can see, the 40-year-old solo artist turned actor has still got it, delivering a soulful rendition of the Elton John classic ‘Sacrifice’ to a small crowd inside the cosy Alty boozer.
Obviously, the Coronation Street and Good Ship Murder star didn’t need to look at the lyrics for even one second and this is probably one of the best performances the pub has ever or will ever see.
He even manages to take a quick break during the instrumental to grab a nonchalant swig of his drink. Very casual indeed.
Let’s be honest, though: the real star of the show is that woman singing along to every word and pulling out all the stops to remind everyone that no matter who is up on the mic, this is karaoke and you’re obliged to have absolutely zero inhibitions.
Queen.
S̶l̶a̶y̶Sleigh*She ate, as the kids would say. (Credit: The Station Hotel via Facebook)
He may not be releasing tonnes of music or claiming any Christmas number ones these days, but the Greater Manchester native is no stranger to performing.
As well as various jobs on telly and even a few movie roles here and there over the years, Ward also appeared on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing, ultimately being voted out back in November in one of the most controversial and unpopular decisions of the 2024 season.
That being said, whatever questions may loom over his dance moves, there’s no question he’s still got a great voice and we hope to see him hopping on karaoke somewhere in town again soon.
Emily Sergeant -
10th April 2024 
