The dark comic film adaptation “Joker” with Joaquin Phoenix as the brilliant killer clown won big when it was released in US cinemas five years ago. Todd Phillips’ drama grossed more than $96 million on its opening weekend in North America. Not even half as much was collected for the debut of the sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux”. According to estimates, just $40 million has flowed into the coffers since Friday, and industry portals are calling it a flop. The film with musical elements and starring Phoenix and Lady Gaga fell far short of expectations in the USA and Canada.
Bad audience ratings
Some devastating reviews and unusually poor audience ratings play a role. In surveys conducted by the company “Cinemascore” after going to the cinema, viewers only gave the film a grade of D – on a scale from A+ (best grade) to F. This indicates poor word of mouth and a significant drop in sales in the next few weeks. According to the industry publication “Hollywood Reporter”, this is the first comic film adaptation ever to be punished by the audience with a D, comparable to a school grade of 4. “Joker” was enthusiastically received in 2019 with a B+.
Unusual format
The sequel, also by director Todd Phillips, dares to use a kind of musical format that apparently doesn’t suit the taste of comic fans in the USA. Phoenix and Lady Gaga sing together as Joker and Harley Quinn. The soulful songs are in stark contrast to the dark atmosphere in Gotham City.
Worldwide, the debut of “Joker: Folie à Deux” performed slightly better. According to estimates by the industry portal “Boxoffice Mojo,” more than $81 million was raised outside North America over the weekend. Adding up the US and Canadian grosses, the film has a global opening of $121 million.
Films often recoup their production costs straight away on a good opening weekend. “Joker: Folie à Deux” is far from that. The film is said to have cost the studio Warner Bros. around $200 million.
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