After the 2019 release of Joker became a cultural phenomenon, its eagerly awaited sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, finally hit theaters this past Friday. However, despite high expectations and a significant production budget, the film fell short at the box office.
Disappointing Opening Day Results
With a production budget exceeding $190 million, Joker: Folie à Deux managed to bring in just $20 million on its opening day in North America. Of this, $7 million came from pre-screening ticket sales. Industry analysts predict that the film’s total weekend earnings might reach a maximum of $47 million, but there are estimates suggesting that it could fall as low as $42 million, or even fail to reach the $40 million mark.
Audience Unhappy with the Musical Approach
Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the musical-themed sequel did not resonate as well as anticipated with audiences. Deadline summarized the film’s struggles by stating, “Fans of the first film didn’t want a musical sequel, Mr. Phillips. Period.” Similarly, Hollywood Reporter noted in its review, “This is no joke,” and highlighted the audience’s dissatisfaction, supported by survey data.
Lowered Expectations
As the weekend approached, Joker: Folie à Deux was expected to gross between $50 and $60 million. This estimate is a significant drop from the earlier projection of $70 million when the film’s release was first announced three weeks ago. The original Joker grossed over $1 billion worldwide on a $55 million budget, which had set high expectations for its sequel.
Low Ratings from Critics
Joker: Folie à Deux received lackluster ratings from both critics and moviegoers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film scored a mere 33 out of 100, while the audience score dipped even lower, to 31. Regardless of its box office performance, the film aims to make a mark in the upcoming Oscar race, especially with Phoenix and Gaga’s performances.
International Box Office Hopes
The film also debuted in several international markets this weekend, with plans to release in key regions like Japan and China in the coming weeks. Warner Bros has set its sights on earning between $80 and $85 million in international box office sales this weekend.
Director Phillips Takes a Bold Step
Director Todd Phillips acknowledges that the sequel does not follow the traditional storyline expected of a continuation. During the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, Phillips thanked the studio for taking “such a bold step” and added, “It doesn’t have to be the sequel you expected.”