Joker 2 Struggles with $20 Million Opening Day and Mixed Reviews

The much-anticipated sequel Joker: Folie à Deux has had a rough start at the domestic box office, earning $20 million from 4,102 theaters on Friday, including previews. Initial projections placed Warner Bros.’ DC film in the $50 million to $65 million range for its opening weekend, but it now seems likely the movie will open below $50 million. This performance is far behind its predecessor, Joker (2019), which earned an impressive $96.2 million in its opening weekend.

(Wanner Bros/Joker 2)

Folie à Deux reunites Joaquin Phoenix’s infamous Joker with a new character, Harley Quinn (played by Lady Gaga), in what’s described as a dark musical and love story. Alongside Phoenix and Gaga, the film features performances by Brendan Gleeson, Harry Lawtey, and Catherine Keener. Despite its star-studded cast and $200 million budget, Joker 2 has not garnered the same positive reception as the original, which earned over $1 billion worldwide on a modest $65 million budget.

One reason for the film’s slow start may be the mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. The unique musical elements of Folie à Deux have divided opinions, with some feeling it doesn’t live up to the original's intensity or cultural impact. Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat shared his disappointment, stating, “That sht was fkin ass... give me my money back. It gives high school-rated-R vibes.” He went on to give the film a 4/10, warning his followers not to waste their time or money.

(Via/Daily Loud/ X)

As the weekend progresses, it remains to be seen whether Joker: Folie à Deux can recover at the box office or if its shaky opening will set the tone for its overall performance. Either way, this sequel has some large shoes to fill if it hopes to match the success of the original.