Joker: Folie à Deux Faces Major Box Office Loss in 2024
- The sequel has grossed $51.5 million domestically and $165 million globally after two weeks of release.
- With production and marketing costs totaling $300 million, the film is projected to lose between $150 million and $200 million.
- The shift in tone from the original may have alienated fans, leading to its disappointing box office performance.
In the United States, the sequel to the 2019 film 'Joker,' titled 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' has underperformed at the box office, leading to projected losses between $150 million and $200 million. Released by Warner Bros., the film has grossed only $51.5 million domestically and $165 million globally after two weeks, a stark contrast to its predecessor, which earned $96.2 million domestically and $248.4 million globally within its first three days. The sequel's production cost was $200 million, with an additional $100 million allocated for marketing and distribution, making it unlikely to break even without reaching $450 million in revenue. The film's shift from the dark tone of the original to a more musical format may have alienated its core audience, contributing to its disappointing box office performance. Despite the presence of acclaimed actors Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film's opening weekend saw only $40 million in domestic earnings, which is significantly lower than expected. This underperformance poses a serious financial risk for Warner Bros., which has struggled with its superhero franchises in recent years. Warner Bros. has faced challenges in matching the success of competitors like Walt Disney, which has successfully built the Marvel franchise into a box office powerhouse. The studio's recent films have not achieved the same level of acclaim or financial success, raising concerns about its future in the competitive film industry. The film is still in theaters and is expected to generate additional revenue through home entertainment releases starting October 29, 2024.