As a seasoned gamer with a knack for predicting cinematic successes, I must admit that I was eagerly anticipating Joker 2, or Folie à Deux as it’s called, but alas, this sequel seems to have gone from a blockbuster to a box office disaster.
2024’s highly-anticipated sequel to Joker, titled Folie à Deux, was expected to be a blockbuster hit. However, early indications suggest that it may flop at the box office, incurring greater financial losses than any other film released so far this year.
Over the past ten months, there have been several notable financial disappointments. To start off the year, the spy comedy Argylle earned only $96 million against an estimated production cost of $200 million. Similarly, Kevin Costner’s western film Horizon brought in just $38 million despite a budget of $50 million.
Over the summer, Borderlands turned out to be a significant flop. The film version of the video game brought in only $33 million, while its production cost was an expensive $120 million. According to Deadline’s calculations, Lionsgate could end up losing anywhere from $20 million to $30 million on this project.
However, it pales in comparison to the expenses Warner Bros. is currently facing with Joker: Folie à Deux, a fact that’s even more stunning when we consider the success of its previous installment.
In 2019, the initial Joker film proved to be an unprecedented box office success, earning over $1 billion despite a production budget of just $70 million. This made it the highest-grossing R-rated movie until Deadpool and Wolverine surpassed its record this summer.
In contrast to its predecessor, the narrative of Joker 2 takes a unique turn that has garnered primarily unfavorable reviews. On its opening weekend, the box office earnings fell significantly short compared to the first film. By the second week, it was pushed down from the number one spot by Terrifier 3.
The current box office earnings of the movie stand at approximately $165 million globally. However, according to Variety, the sequel must generate a minimum of $450 million to cover its costs, which seems highly unlikely given the film’s upcoming digital release on October 29.
According to sources within the company, both insiders and top executives anticipate that the production of Joker 2 could result in financial losses for the studio, estimated to be between $150 million and $200 million during its cinematic release.
According to Warner Bros., these financial figures have been contested. Sources within the studio suggest that the actual figure needed to cover costs (break-even point) is approximately $375 million. A representative from Warner Bros. stated this in a written communication as follows:
“Any estimates suggested by anonymous ‘insiders’ or ‘rival executives’ are grossly wrong and continues a trend where rumor is reported as fact. The film continues to play in theatrical release, included with this week’s opening in China, and will continue to earn revenue throughout its home viewing and ancillary run.”
Either way, Joker: Folie à Deux is a box office disaster that’s losing the studio a lot of money.
To delve deeper into the Folie à Deux plotline: Discover how the underperformance of Joker 2 hindered a Will Smith sequel’s production, and don’t forget to explore our insights on Joker 2’s most criticized scene. Additionally, take a look at our predictions for the top blockbusters of 2024.
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2024-10-15 13:58