The much-anticipated sequel, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” directed by Todd Phillips, has begun its theatrical run with mixed signals emanating from its initial box office performance. In previews that commenced at 3 PM, the film garnered $7 million. While this figure suggests the potential for a strong opening weekend that could edge toward the $50 million mark, it is essential to contextualize this number against similar blockbuster launches, such as “Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning,” which also opened with $7 million. However, despite the potential for a healthy start, this opening preview figure represents a staggering 47% decline compared to its predecessor’s $13.3 million previews back in 2019. The original “Joker” not only had a robust preview night but also boasted an impressive $96.2 million opening weekend, a record for October releases.
The box office numbers, however, represent just one facet of the film’s debut. Audience reactions, as revealed by PostTrak metrics, tell a more sobering narrative. The sequel received a dismal rating of 1/2 star, with only 40% of attendees expressing a positive outlook toward the film. This critical reception among audiences poses significant questions about its long-term performance in theaters. The drop from the original film’s acclaim, both from commercial and critical perspectives, raises flags, especially considering the unique challenge of integrating musical elements in the sequel. The perceived deviation from the dark, gritty narrative of the first film toward a musical format might have alienated a significant portion of its fan base.
The grading for “Joker: Folie à Deux” draws curious comparisons to other contemporary releases, notably Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” which had a comparable reception a week prior. Both films struggling with similar audience reception metrics suggest that a trend might be developing within recent filmic releases, where the viewer’s anticipation does not translate to positive engagement. Moreover, the upcoming prospects for “Joker 2” appear grim when juxtaposed with other new entries, like Lionsgate’s “White Bird,” which received enthusiastic acclaim from audiences, scoring five stars in previews, despite expectations of lower box office earnings.
As the fabric of audience perception continues to unravel for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the implications for the weekend box office further navigate the murky waters of cinematic interpretations. Current audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes reflect a disconcerting 37%, and critical reviews have dipped to a meager 39% fresh rating. With only 24% of people indicating that they would recommend the film, one must ponder the sustainability of its box office presence. The grim outlook, particularly when comparing CinemaScore grades, emphasizes the uncertain trajectory that lies ahead for this ambitious sequel. As the weekend unfolds, only time will reveal whether these early reviews and audience reactions are but a fleeting encounter or indicative of a more profound disconnect with its viewership.