The much-anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux, directed by Todd Phillips, hit theaters with high expectations, especially following the runaway success of the first Joker film in 2019. However, the sequel has been surrounded by controversy, not only for its divisive musical tone but also for Phillips' decision to distance the film from DC Studios, bypassing the creative oversight of its chiefs, James Gunn and Peter Safran. This choice has sparked debates about its impact on the film's box office performance, which has struggled to keep pace with its predecessor.
A Unique Vision That Alienated DC
It's rare to see a comic book movie without the involvement of DC Studios, especially one centered on such an iconic character like the Joker. Yet, according to recent reports, Todd Phillips deliberately kept the studio at arm's length, choosing instead to work closely with Warner Bros. film heads Michael DeLuca and Pamela Abdy. The absence of the DC Studios logo at the start of Joker: Folie à Deux speaks volumes about Phillips' intent to create a movie that stands apart from the wider DC Universe.
While this independent approach helped the first Joker break the mold of typical superhero films, this time around it seems to have alienated not only the fanbase but also the studio itself. Phillips reportedly disregarded advice from studio executives, opting not to test-screen the film and pushing for an expensive shoot in Los Angeles, despite Warner Bros.' initial hesitation over the budget.
A Risky Gamble?
One could argue that Phillips' artistic integrity remained intact, but at what cost? With a reported production budget that soared, the film now needs to gross at least $450 million worldwide just to break even. To make matters worse, early exit polls revealed a dismal D CinemaScore, signaling trouble at the box office. For comparison, even the critically maligned Madame Web managed a C+ CinemaScore earlier this year, making Folie à Deux one of the least favorably received comic book films in recent memory.
Joker: Folie à Deux had its first public screening at the Venice Film Festival—a premiere Phillips fought for. While festival debuts often generate buzz, it's clear that skipping traditional test screenings may have prevented the filmmakers from catching early audience concerns. James Gunn, in response to a fan question on social media, affirmed his own belief in test screenings, stating that while they shouldn't dictate every creative decision, they're valuable for gauging audience reactions and addressing potential issues. Phillips, however, chose to forego this step, leading to a film that critics say doesn't quite meet fan expectations.
What Comes Next?
The future doesn't look bright for Joker: Folie à Deux. After a sharp decline of 60-75% at the box office in its second weekend, the movie is struggling to maintain its grip on the top spot domestically. Warner Bros. has already taken hits with several underperforming DC-related films, and if Folie à Deux fails to recover, it could be yet another costly misstep for the studio.
Despite the lackluster numbers, it's important to note that Joker: Folie à Deux still has its fans, particularly those intrigued by its unconventional musical format and the dynamic performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, who play Arthur Fleck (Joker) and Harley Quinn, respectively. Yet, as we approach the end of the year, it remains to be seen whether the film will find a second wind or fade into obscurity.
Final Thoughts
Joker: Folie à Deux is a bold artistic statement, but Phillips' decision to forgo DC's involvement may have backfired. The film's rejection of traditional superhero conventions, while refreshing, seems to have left fans and casual moviegoers alike questioning its direction. Whether the gamble was worth it remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers are painting a troubling picture.
What do you think? Should directors always listen to fan expectations, or should they pursue their own vision, no matter the risks? Let us know in the comments!
