The much-anticipated sequel Joker: Folie À Deux made its debut at the box office, but the results were underwhelming compared to its 2019 predecessor. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film opened to a lackluster $40 million domestically, well below expectations. This is a stark contrast to the original Joker‘s monumental opening of $96.2 million, which set records for an R-rated film. Globally, Folie À Deux earned $121 million, which, while respectable, still falls short of the $248.4 million global launch of the first movie(
The sequel’s mixed reception stems from both audience reactions and critical reviews. Many fans were intrigued by the film’s unique direction, incorporating musical elements to reflect the chaotic relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn, portrayed by Lady Gaga. However, some critics argue that these shifts in tone made the film feel disjointed, impacting its box office draw. While Joker: Folie À Deux led the global box office, its debut performance signals a more cautious reception, especially when compared to the meteoric success of its predecessor.
Despite the slower start, there is optimism that the film will build momentum as it continues its run, particularly with the strong international performance, which contributed $81.1 million from 77 overseas markets.
European audiences, in particular, have been more receptive to the film’s unique genre-blending style. Warner Bros is hopeful that the movie’s creative risks and the star power of Lady Gaga will help drive additional interest in the coming weeks.