Experts Say Joker 2's Opening Weekend Box Office Bombs

Joker: Folie à Deux, the much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Joker, suffered a disappointing opening weekend at the box office, earning only $37.8 million domestically. This figure is less than half of what its predecessor achieved, leading experts to label it a significant failure for Warner Bros. Analysts have pointed to multiple factors for this poor performance, including negative reviews and an overwhelming indifference from moviegoers. The film's high production budget of $200 million means it would need to generate over $450 million to merely break even, a target that now seems out of reach. Despite a strong international showing of $81.1 million, concerns about the film’s reception and future financial prospects dominate discussions among industry experts, many of whom highlight that this sequel may have taken a miscalculated risk with its creative direction, driving potential audiences away.

Joker: Folie à Deux performed poorly at the box office due to a combination of negative critical reviews and audience indifference, leading to weak word-of-mouth. Additionally, its departure from the dark themes that made the first movie appealing added to its struggles.

The original Joker film was released in 2019, becoming a cultural phenomenon that grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Directed by Todd Phillips, it was notable for its intense exploration of mental health and social issues, along with Joaquin Phoenix's Oscar-winning performance. This made the expectations for the sequel even higher, but with a notable shift towards musical elements and a different narrative direction, many fans were left dissatisfied.