“Joker: Folie à Deux,” released by Warner Bros. on October 4, was highly anticipated but has struggled to gain traction. Budgeted at a whopping $200 million, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “Joker” has only managed to scrape together $204.7 million globally, with just $58 million from North America—a stark contrast to the $1.08 billion the original earned on a fraction of this budget.
In an effort to recoup some of its losses, Warner Bros. moved “Folie à Deux” to Premium Video On Demand platforms. However, the film's digital debut has also been underwhelming. According to data from CBM, “Folie à Deux” ranked fourth on both iTunes and Fandango in its first week. On iTunes, it trailed “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “The Substance.” On Fandango's revenue rankings, it was bested by “The Wild Robot,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
The lackluster PVOD performance adds further strain to the film's profitability, putting Warner Bros. at risk of a substantial financial loss. Director Todd Phillips has also stirred controversy with exhibitors after suggesting the removal of ads before films, a comment that hasn't helped the movie's publicity. With its disappointing theater run and weak digital sales, the sequel's struggle highlights the challenges even established franchises face in today's competitive entertainment market.”
“Joker: Folie à Deux” faced a unique challenge from the start, with expectations set sky-high after the success of the first film. The transition to PVOD after a rough box office performance shows the studio's quick pivot to salvage revenue, but it seems the audience's appetite for a darker musical rendition wasn't as strong as anticipated. While the film's production quality and cast, including Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix, were compelling, perhaps the shift in genre and tone didn't resonate with a broader audience. Still, it's a bold move by Phillips to create something so different from the original.
This case leaves room for discussion: are audiences seeking more novelty in sequels, or did this one miss the mark with its experimental direction? Only time will tell if it eventually finds a dedicated fan base on digital platforms.”
“Do you think sequels should stay closer to the original, or are risky creative choices worth it in the long run?”
