The release of *Joker: Folie à Deux*, directed by Todd Phillips, marked a significant moment in cinematic history, particularly given the immense success of its predecessor in 2019. With an impressive budget exceeding $190 million, the film had high expectations, especially as it transitioned into a musical featuring acclaimed performers Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. However, early box office assessments and audience reactions present a mixed narrative that warrants a deeper analysis.
In its preview night, *Joker 2* accumulated $7 million, commencing its box office journey at 3 PM. While this figure is notable, it starkly pales in comparison to the original film’s $13.3 million preview earnings. The trajectory of the sequel suggests a potential opening weekend gross around $50 million, which, while respectable, falls short of the breakout success that the first *Joker* secured with a record-breaking opening of $96.2 million. Comparatively, other recent blockbusters like *Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning* and *No Time to Die* also began with similar numbers, but their overall trajectories differed significantly.
The audience exit polls from Comscore/Screen Engine’s PostTrak indicate a startling lack of enthusiasm for *Joker 2*. The film received a meager positive rating of only 40% alongside an alarming average rating of just half a star. Such a response is particularly troubling given that both the brand and the talent associated with the film were expected to draw in viewers. Critics had pointed to the challenges inherent in creating a musical, but these early figures imply a more profound disconnect with the fanbase.
Much like Francis Ford Coppola’s *Megalopolis*, which also faced devastating audience ratings, the reception for *Joker 2* paints a sobering picture of viewer discontent. The parallels between the two films become even more pronounced when looking at their respective PostTrak scores; both films struggled to resonate with audiences, raising eyebrows about their cinematic approaches. On the flip side, *White Bird*, a distinct feature from Lionsgate, secured a far more favorable response, with an impressive five-star rating from audiences despite lower box office expectations.
The audience’s lukewarm reception might have significant implications for *Joker: Folie à Deux* as it endeavors into its opening weekend. With an abysmal Rotten Tomatoes score of 37% in audience reviews and critic scores plummeting to 39%, the film could face challenges in maintaining momentum beyond its initial screening days. Historically, films with poor audience ratings tend to see significant declines in box office earnings, raising questions about how *Joker 2* will navigate the competitive market in the weeks to come.
While *Joker: Folie à Deux* may have the pedigree of high-profile actors and a well-known director, the disheartening audience feedback poses a challenge to its commercial viability. As the film embarks on its full theatrical release, all eyes will be on its box office performance, and whether it can recover from the shadows of its predecessor or embrace its unique narrative as a musical. The future is uncertain, but one thing remains clear: audience connection is paramount in determining a film’s success.