The much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” has stumbled out of the gate, with projections indicating a significant financial loss of between $150 million and $200 million. The film’s underwhelming performance at the box office has left Warner Bros. reeling, raising concerns about the future of their DC superhero franchise.
After two weeks in theaters, “Joker: Folie à Deux” has grossed a disappointing $51.5 million domestically and $165 million globally. This pales in comparison to the original “Joker,” which generated a staggering $96.2 million domestically and $248.4 million globally after just three days of release.
The sequel, which carried a hefty production budget of $200 million and an additional $100 million for marketing and distribution, is unlikely to reach the $450 million needed to break even in its theatrical run. Industry insiders and rival executives predict that the film could leave its backers facing a substantial loss of around $200 million.
While Warner Bros. maintains that the film continues to play in theaters and will generate revenue through home viewing and ancillary distribution, the financial implications of this box office flop are undeniable. The film is slated to be released on home entertainment platforms on October 29th.
The departure from the dark and gritty tone of the original “Joker” to a more musical approach in the sequel might have alienated a portion of the DC fanbase. While the film saw Joaquin Phoenix return as the titular character and welcomed Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, the shift in style may have contributed to the significant drop in sales.
This underperformance is a major setback for Warner Bros., particularly given their recent struggles with their superhero franchises. Despite owning iconic characters like Batman and Superman, the studio has not been able to replicate the success of Walt Disney Co., which has transformed Marvel into a global phenomenon.
The disappointing performance of “Joker: Folie à Deux” raises questions about the future of Warner Bros.’ superhero franchise and serves as a stark reminder that even the most anticipated sequels are not guaranteed box office hits.