Joker Sequel Faces Backlash and Box Office Struggle

Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the 2019 Joker film, has faced significant backlash and poor performance at the box office, earning only $40 million domestically during its opening weekend compared to its predecessor's $96.2 million. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film received a CinemaScore of D, the lowest ever for a comic book movie, due in part to its unconventional musical format, which has been criticized by audiences and critics alike. Despite featuring a star-studded cast, the film's mixed reviews cite issues with its ambitious but incoherent storyline and a departure into musical elements that many found jarring. Director Todd Phillips explained that a scene featuring Lady Gaga kissing a female extra, which went viral during filming, was cut to maintain a musical and vibe-focused scene without dialogue interruptions. While some fans and notable figures like Francis Ford Coppola have praised the film's bold approach, the general reception remains negative, impacting its overall success and projection as an Oscar contender. Internationally, the film has grossed $121 million, yet it continues to struggle against the high expectations set by the original Joker film.