Joker: Folie à Deux has been in theaters for only two weeks, but it’s already falling short of expectations for the franchise in North America. Last week, it saw a steep decline at the box office, with an 80% drop, opening to just $40 million—down from $71 million.”
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, this decline marks a significant setback for the comic book film series, prompting speculation about its broader impact. Fans’ reactions, however, have been largely predictable—many voiced disappointment with the film’s execution, with some suggesting that it could have been great if musical elements weren’t included.
Joker: Folie à Deux has garnered mixed reviews compared to the original Joker. While the 2019 Joker was widely acclaimed for its storytelling, character development, and Joaquin Phoenix’s performance, critics felt Folie à Deux fell short in terms of engagement and pacing. At the box office, the sequel also struggled, experiencing a sharp decline in its opening weekend, a stark contrast to the record-breaking debut of the first film, which became an instant phenomenon.
The film was outshone by the indie horror hit Terrifier 3, which pulled in nearly $18.2 million over the weekend. Joker: Folie à Deux dropped to third place, trailing behind the animated feature The Wild Robot, which claimed the second spot with $13.4 million. Meanwhile, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice slipped to fourth place, earning $7 million. Along with fan reactions, film critics weighed in on Joker: Folie à Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, calling it “bleak and daring” but also “depressingly dull and plodding.”
Critics Reviews:
Overall, Joker: Folie à Deux seems to be struggling to capture the same critical acclaim and commercial success as its predecessor. The movie has yet to live up to the legacy of the groundbreaking 2019 Joker, leaving its future place within the franchise uncertain.
