The highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit Joker , titled Joker: Folie Deux , is set to hit theaters on October 4, but early box office projections and reviews suggest a mixed bag for the film. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the movie follows Arthur Fleck as he navigates his dual identity and finds love and music while institutionalized at Arkham.
Box Office Projections
According to recent projections, Joker: Folie Deux is expected to open with a domestic box office haul of around $55 million to $60 million, significantly lower than the $96.2 million opening of its predecessor. Globally, the film is projected to earn around $140 million, a figure that, while respectable, pales in comparison to the $248 million worldwide debut of the first film.
These projections have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some arguing that the estimates are overly optimistic. For instance, some commentators on Reddit suggest that the opening weekend could be as low as $45 million to $55 million, citing lower-than-expected preview ticket sales and a more divisive reception compared to the first film.
Early Reviews and Reception
Early reviews of Joker: Folie Deux have been mixed. While some praise the performances of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, others have expressed disappointment with the film's direction and narrative. Lady Gaga's portrayal of Harley Quinn has been highlighted as a positive aspect, with some reviewers noting that she complements Phoenix's performance well in the madcap musical elements of the film. However, other reviews criticize the film for wasting Lady Gaga's talent and failing to live up to the standards set by the original.
The film's production costs have also been a point of discussion, with reports suggesting that Joker: Folie Deux cost upwards of $200 million to produce, a significant increase from the $60 million budget of the first film. Director Todd Phillips has defended the costs, emphasizing the employment opportunities created for the crew and the value of investing in the film's production.
International Performance
In India, the film has had a modest start, earning around 1 crore (approximately $125,000 USD) on its first day across all languages. The occupancy rates for English shows have been reported at around 21-32% for different formats, indicating a relatively slow start in the Indian market.
As the film prepares for its global release, fans and industry observers are keenly watching to see how it will perform. Despite the mixed early reviews and lower-than-expected box office projections, Joker: Folie Deux remains one of the most anticipated films of the year, thanks to its star-studded cast and the critical acclaim of its predecessor.
To stay updated on the latest news and box office performance of Joker: Folie Deux , keep an eye on the latest reports and reviews. The film's success will be closely watched, especially given the high production costs and the significant expectations following the original's success.
