The anticipation surrounding Warner Bros.’ latest release, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” directed by Todd Phillips, was palpable. With a massive production budget exceeding $190 million and a star-studded cast featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, expectations ran high for its opening weekend. However, initial indications suggest that the movie may not perform as anticipated, casting a shadow over its box office prospects.
The film kicked off with $7 million in preview earnings, which began at 3 PM. While this figure suggests a potential opening weekend of about $50 million, significant doubts linger due to the stark contrast with its predecessor, the original “Joker,” which racked up $13.3 million during its previews in 2019, ultimately soaring to a staggering $96.2 million in its opening. Anecdotal comparisons with other franchises like “Mission: Impossible” and “John Wick” do not bode well as they also began similarly, yet their trajectories differed profoundly as the respective films matured at the box office.
What should be more concerning, however, is how audience reactions are influencing this sequel’s reception. Unlike other blockbusters, “Joker: Folie à Deux” seems to face significant backlash from its dedicated fan base, as evidenced by disappointing PostTrak audience exit scores. A dismal 40% positive rating and a mere half-star out of five reveal considerable dissatisfaction among viewers, particularly in contrast to the expectation that such a high-profile project would garner a more enthusiastic reception.
The reaction to the film from both critics and audiences has been equally troubling. With a critical rating plummeting to just 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, and only 24% of viewers willing to recommend it to friends, the combination of lukewarm reviews and dismal audience feedback suggests a daunting path ahead for the film’s box office journey. Historical context shows that audience ratings are crucial in determining the longevity of a film’s success, and with such low engagement, “Joker: Folie à Deux” may struggle to maintain momentum through its opening weekend.
In a stark comparison, Lionsgate’s “White Bird,” which stands as a minor release, has received a much warmer audience response with a five-star rating in its previews, despite its own struggles at the box office. This juxtaposition not only highlights the difficulties faced by “Joker: Folie à Deux,” but also emphasizes the importance of audience sentiment in predicting box office trajectory.
The challenges faced by “Joker: Folie à Deux” reflect a broader trend in the film industry where expectations and realities often diverge dramatically. While initial figures may paint a promising picture, audience reactions play a pivotal role in determining a film’s success. With indications of a rocky reception, it remains to be seen how this high-stakes sequel will navigate the weekend and what that could mean for its longevity in theaters. As the situation unfolds, studio executives and fans alike will be watching closely, hoping that these early signals are not indicative of a broader disconnect between creative ambitions and audience reception.