In a surprising twist for the highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux opened to an estimated $40 million domestically, leaving many industry insiders and fans stunned. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, this antihero musical is the first Hollywood comic book film to receive a failing D CinemaScore from audiences. This response signals a notable shift from the overwhelming success of its predecessor, which shattered records upon its release in 2019.
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Bombs at the Box Office: A Shocking $40M Opening and a D CinemaScore
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The expectations for Folie à Deux were sky-high. Initial projections suggested it would earn between $50 million and $60 million, with some early forecasts even estimating a whopping $70 million. However, as the weekend progressed, those numbers were consistently downgraded, leading to a final tally that was less than half of what the original Joker achieved during its debut weekend. The first film opened with an impressive $96.2 million, eventually grossing over $1 billion worldwide on a modest $55 million budget. In contrast, the sequel’s production costs ballooned to a staggering $190 million.
The underwhelming box office performance can largely be attributed to poor word of mouth. Audience exit polls painted a grim picture, with many viewers expressing dissatisfaction with the film’s unconventional style. Unlike typical superhero films, Folie à Deux blends musical elements with its dark narrative, a departure that may have alienated fans looking for a more traditional experience.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
Critics have lauded the film for its artistic merits—its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and ambitious approach—but many have also pointed out its narrative shortcomings. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter described it as “a little thin and at times dull,” which likely didn’t help its case among mainstream audiences.
Despite the disappointing domestic figures, Folie à Deux did manage to secure $81.1 million overseas, bringing its global total to about $121.1 million. However, this international success is not enough to offset the disappointing opening weekend performance in the U.S. The sequel has yet to debut in key markets like Japan and China, where it will be released in the coming weeks.
Warner Bros. executives are taking the results in stride but acknowledge that they are “stunned and sorely disappointed.” They still see Phillips as a creative force worth backing, given his track record with the first Joker film.
A New Direction for Comic Book Films
The decision to take Folie à Deux in a more experimental direction has sparked conversations about the future of comic book movies. While many films in the genre tend to follow a formulaic structure, Phillips opted for a narrative that explores the characters’ inner lives, featuring fantasy musical numbers that blend reality with imagination. This bold choice, while artistically intriguing, may have ultimately hindered its appeal to a broader audience.
The film’s release has also sparked comparisons with other recent flops, like Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, which similarly received poor reviews and a D+ CinemaScore. Both films have highlighted the challenges faced by filmmakers who choose to stray from traditional formulas in an industry increasingly dominated by franchises and established narratives.
Also Read: ‘Megalopolis’ Review: A Visionary Fever Dream from Francis Ford Coppola
While the box office results may be disappointing, Folie à Deux still hopes to be a contender in the upcoming awards season, especially for its lead performances. Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in the first film, and Lady Gaga, a multi-talented artist taking on the role of Harley Quinn, are expected to garner significant attention for their work.
Ultimately, Joker: Folie à Deux serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of taking creative risks in Hollywood. While some may celebrate the film’s ambition, others are left wondering if this gamble was worth it. As audiences reflect on this unusual sequel, the industry will be watching closely to see how it navigates the turbulent waters of box office success and critical reception in the months to come.
