‘Joker 2’ Faces Box Office Struggles as Audiences and Critics Weigh In

“Joker: Folie à Deux” debuted as the top movie at the box office, but its success may be short-lived. The sequel to Todd Phillips’ acclaimed 2019 film earned $40 million during its opening weekend, which is significantly lower than the $96.2 million launch of its predecessor.

Predictions had pointed to a $70 million opening, yet the reality fell far below expectations. Early reviews from its Venice Film Festival premiere had been somewhat positive, leading to a 12-minute standing ovation. However, the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score plummeted from 63% to 33% by its opening weekend, reflecting audience disappointment evidenced by a dismal D CinemaScore.

Costing at least twice as much to produce as the original, “Folie à Deux” faces questions about its financial viability. Estimates put its budget between $190 million and $200 million. Released in 4,102 theaters across North America, it collected approximately 12.5% of its domestic total from 415 IMAX screens. Internationally, the film has amassed $81.1 million, leading to a combined global total of $121.1 million, with upcoming releases planned for Japan and China.

In the wake of “Joker,” other films performed better. Universal’s “The Wild Robot” garnered $18.7 million in its second weekend, maintaining a healthy trajectory with a domestic total nearing $64 million. Meanwhile, Lionsgate’s “White Bird” struggled, pulling in only $1.5 million despite receiving an A+ CinemaScore.

This weekend’s overall box office numbers have improved compared to last year, but “Joker’s” lukewarm response represents an unfortunate twist for theater owners seeking recovery in ticket sales.

Phillips aimed for an ambitious sequel featuring Lady Gaga as a new character and musical elements, exploring Arthur Fleck’s psyche further while he awaits trial at Arkham. Critics have described the film as trying to reinvent the wheel—combining different genres yet lacking the ignitability that made the first film a phenomenon.

While some feel the film was alienating, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, it also has notable supporters. Director Francis Ford Coppola took to Instagram to express admiration for Phillips’ work, highlighting his innovative storytelling.

The critique surrounding the film’s musical direction has been particularly pointed, with some industry insiders suggesting it deterred the original’s fanbase. The first “Joker” provoked significant discussion about its themes and portrayal, leading to multiple Oscar nominations and strong box office returns. Whether this sequel can carve out its own identity remains to be seen.