In a turn of events that has surprised many, Joker 2 has failed to meet expectations at the box office, leaving fans and critics alike puzzled. The original Joker, released in 2019, was a massive success, grossing over $1bn and receiving numerous accolades, including two Oscars. However, its sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, has not fared as well.
Critics have not been kind to the new film, with many panning it for its unconventional plot, which sees Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck retelling the events of the first film through song. The movie has also been criticised for its low Rotten Tomatoes score, which is even worse than other superhero disappointments like Morbius and Madame Web. Additionally, it received a dismal CinemaScore of D, marking it as one of the lowest-rated comic book adaptations.
Adding insult to injury are the film’s box office numbers. While the original Joker had a strong opening weekend of $235.2m, Joker 2 only managed to pull in $121.1m, a significant drop that has left industry insiders scratching their heads. Screenshots shared by cinemagoers over the weekend revealed nearly empty theatres, a stark contrast to the crowded screenings of its predecessor.
Amidst the disappointment, fans have come up with various theories to explain the film’s underperformance. One prominent theory circulating on social media suggests that director Todd Phillips deliberately sabotaged the sequel in response to the controversy surrounding the original. Some viewers believe that Phillips wanted to spark discussion and challenge assumptions about the first film, which was criticised for its sympathetic portrayal of a troubled and violent character.
Despite the backlash, there are also voices defending Joker: Folie à Deux as a misunderstood sequel that has been unfairly maligned. While some viewers see the film as a deliberate provocation aimed at inciting anger among fans, others argue that it offers a fresh perspective on the original story.
As discussions continue about the reasons behind the film’s lacklustre performance, one thing is clear: Joker 2 has divided audiences and critics alike, leaving many to ponder the intentions behind its unconventional storytelling.