In 2019, Todd Phillips’ Joker captivated audiences, earning nine Oscar nominations and two wins. However, its sequel, Joker Folie à Deux, faced backlash, struggling to resonate with fans despite Lady Gaga’s involvement as Harley Quinn. The film, which had a massive budget of $200 million, grossed only $206.4 million globally, marking it as one of 2024’s notable box office flops. Despite the disappointment, Gaga remains optimistic about her future projects, including her upcoming album, Mayhem.
The Unexpected Journey of Joker Folie à Deux
In 2019, filmmaker Todd Phillips astonished audiences worldwide with a unique take on the DC character Joker. Following the iconic portrayals by Heath Ledger and Jared Leto, it was Joaquin Phoenix who stepped into the shoes of this complex character, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with viewers. The film garnered an impressive nine Oscar nominations, including two wins, solidifying its place as one of the standout films of recent years. However, the anticipation surrounding its sequel was not met with the same success.
Joker Folie à Deux: A Disappointing Turn of Events
If you were a fan of Todd Phillips’ original Joker, the announcement of a sequel likely filled you with excitement. The director quickly revealed that Lady Gaga would join the cast as Harley Quinn, generating both interest and skepticism among fans. The musical format was a bold choice, but it appeared to clash with the expectations set by the first film. Consequently, Joker Folie à Deux struggled to connect with audiences, leading to its status as one of the most significant box office failures of 2024.
With a global box office tally of only $206,400,287 against a hefty budget of $200 million, the film has not proven to be financially viable. Experts estimate that Warner Bros. faced substantial losses, leaving many surprised by the outcome, including the dedicated cast members who put their heart and soul into the project.
In the aftermath of this unexpected flop, both Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga remained relatively quiet. Phoenix, who earned an Oscar for his performance in the first installment, and Gaga, who was so committed to her role that she even released an album connected to the film, had little to say. Recently, however, Lady Gaga opened up to Elle magazine about her feelings regarding the film’s failure. She emphasized the importance of not letting the fear of failure dictate one’s journey, stating:
Despite acknowledging Joker 2’s shortcomings, Gaga seems unfazed. Meanwhile, she has also announced the upcoming release of her new album, Mayhem, set to debut on March 7. Fans can already enjoy two tracks, “Disease” and “Die With A Smile,” featuring Bruno Mars.
The Batman universe has seen numerous adaptations, with various iconic villains receiving their own cinematic portrayals, including the Joker. Another notorious character from Gotham is set to make his own film debut, promising more thrilling adventures in this beloved franchise.