Joker: Folie à Deux’ is struggling to maintain an audience and profit

By Addison Brewer-Hay 

As the first “Joker” film profited $96.2 million domestically and $248.4 million globally three days after its release, the new film has made $51.5 million domestically and $165 million after two weeks. Furthermore, as audience numbers continue to drop, the film isn’t looking to make nearly the same profit as the first one did. 

This issue has become prominent to many film lovers as the “Joker” sequel cost almost $200 million to produce and roughly $100 million to market and advertise. With the current sales plummet, the movie is unlikely to make $450 million, which is the price needed to break its theatrical run. 

Holding a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the “Joker” musical has become an entertainment joke for many as reviews continue to tear the film down. 

With a five year wait for the film, many audience members struggled to find interest in the Joker and his character’s continuing story. Many critics have continued to dissect the film and its issues, with one viewer expressing his opinions on the screenplay. Glenn Kenney, a film critic on Roger Ebert, expressed his displeasure with the movie stating it was “narratively, psychologically, and aesthetically incoherent.” Rating the movie one star, Kenney is one of many who walked out of the theater disappointed. 

While critics continue to label the movie “boring” and “startlingly dull”, The Guardian and The Observer have both commended Lady Gaga’s performance. Producing an album to promote the film further, Lady Gaga has managed to produce a personal profit for the movie’s behalf.

With all this being said, Joker: Folie à Deux’ continues to struggle in theaters and is expected to continue its dwindling profit even as it switches over to streaming services. Right now, the projected loss stands at around $125 to $200 million.