“Joker: Folie à Deux” Tops Box Office, But Struggles to Meet Expectations
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” the highly anticipated sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 hit, debuted at No. 1 at the box office but failed to match the success of its predecessor. Opening with a muted $40 million, less than half of the original’s $96.2 million debut, the film has left industry insiders questioning where it went wrong. Initial tracking predicted a $70 million debut, but lukewarm reviews from the Venice Film Festival and a disappointing 33% Rotten Tomatoes score hampered its momentum.
Despite the star power of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film struggled to win over audiences. Opening night polls resulted in a dismal D CinemaScore, and PostTrak exit surveys were similarly harsh, awarding the film just half a star. Industry analysts like Paul Dergarabedian point to the film’s substantial production costs, with a budget reportedly nearing $190 million, as a major factor in its underwhelming performance. In contrast, a smaller-budget film could have weathered a similar debut with more ease.
Mixed Reviews with a Risky Musical Twist Alienate Fans
One of the film’s most polarizing elements is its decision to embrace musical numbers, a stark departure from the original film’s dark, gritty tone. While director Todd Phillips and star Joaquin Phoenix aimed to create something “audacious,” many fans and critics have deemed the musical direction a misstep. Despite the film’s struggles, “Joker: Folie à Deux” has earned $121.1 million globally, with hopes for a boost as it opens in Japan and China in the coming weeks.
