The 2019 movie Joker became the first R-rated film to gross more than a billion dollars at the global box office. It also held the title of the highest-grossing R-rated movie until Marvel's Deadpool and Wolverine recently dethroned it, pushing Joker to second place. Notably, Joker won Oscars for Best Actor, awarded to Joaquin Phoenix, and Best Original Score. However, in 2024, it seems unlikely that Joker: Folie à Deux will replicate the same success, either at the box office or, presumably, at the Oscars, despite reuniting Phoenix with director Todd Phillips and bringing in the starry power of Lady Gaga. ‘Joker Folie a Deux’ Movie Review: Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s Doomed Musical Love Story Is Both Fascinating and Frustrating!

According to the latest reports, Joker: Folie à Deux has grossed USD 40 million in North America and USD 121 million worldwide in its opening weekend. While its domestic performance is underwhelming, the global box office is relatively strong, largely benefiting from the momentum of the first film.

Box Office Comparison Between 'Joker' and 'Joker: Folie à Deux'

Here’s what the 2019 film Joker earned in its opening weekend:

Domestic: USD 93.5 million

Worldwide: USD 234 million

(As reported by Box Office Mojo)

In comparison, the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, earned less than half of what the first movie made domestically. Though it performed better overseas, its worldwide total still falls over $100 million short of Joker’s opening figures.

The Budget of Joker: Folie à Deux

While Joker was produced on a budget of USD 55 to USD 70 million, Joker: Folie à Deux had a significantly higher budget of USD 190 to USD 200 million.

Watch the Trailer of 'Joker: Folie à Deux':

The Break-Even Mark for 'Joker: Folie à Deux'

Due to its high production cost, Joker: Folie à Deux reportedly needs to earn at least USD 450 million to break even. Given the film’s dwindling box office performance, exacerbated by poor reviews, this seems a challenging goal. The overseas market may be the film's only hope for recouping its costs.

Why Is 'Joker: Folie à Deux' Failing at the Box Office?

Joker: Folie à Deux had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2024, where it received mixed reviews. Unfortunately, the lukewarm initial reception dealt a significant blow to the film, and it needed strong audience support during its wide release to recover. ‘Joker Folie a Deux’ Ending Explained: Will Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga Return for ‘Joker 3’? Here’s What the Climax Says!

To give credit where it’s due, Todd Phillips did not set out to make a lazy cash-grab sequel, even though Joker: Folie à Deux could have easily been perceived as one. However, his decision to introduce musical elements into the film did not resonate with mainstream audiences. Additionally, the film struggled to generate positive word-of-mouth, with many viewers and critics singling out the third act as its weakest point. With a large budget, negative reviews, and mediocre audience reception, Joker: Folie à Deux has been unable to overcome these hurdles at the box office.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2024 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).