The highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, is receiving increasingly disappointing reviews, particularly reflected in its CinemaScore rating.
The film currently holds one of the lowest ratings among comic book adaptations, trailing behind other DC entries such as Man of Steel, The Suicide Squad, and The Flash, as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s The Marvels.
As the film approaches its debut weekend, initial box office projections indicate a lackluster opening, expected to fall below the dismal performances of The Flash and The Marvels, both labeled as significant failures in 2023.
However, the film has reportedly performed better in select international markets, including Korea and Italy. Final figures from the US will provide a clearer picture of its box office trajectory, but current indicators suggest a troubling start.
According to a report by Luiz Fernando, Joker: Folie à Deux has made history as the first comic book film to receive a “D” on CinemaScore, a stark contrast to its predecessor, which earned a “B+” in 2019. Last year, both The Flash and The Marvels garnered better scores, making the sequel’s ratings particularly shocking to film enthusiasts. In the post-COVID landscape, the only other film to achieve such poor ratings alongside Joker 2 was The Exorcism.
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Comparative ratings highlight discrepancies
In contrast, several other DC films have fared significantly better on CinemaScore. Notable ratings include:
- Man of Steel (A-)
- Wonder Woman (A)
- Aquaman (A-)
- Shazam! (A)
- Birds of Prey (B+)
Meanwhile, other Marvel releases, including The Marvels and Ant-Man 3, each earned a “B” on CinemaScore. Historically, the worst ratings belong to Fantastic Four (C-) and Hellboy (C).
Looking ahead, industry analysts are eager to see how Joker 2 performs in its opening weekend, with prior expectations set at around $140 million globally.
Synopsis and release information
Joker: Folie à Deux is a musical that delves into the psyche of Arthur Fleck as he awaits trial at Arkham. The official synopsis describes how Arthur grapples with his dual identity while discovering love and his musical talent. Directed by Todd Phillips and boasting a substantial budget of $200 million, the film was released in the U.S. on October 4, 2024. As audiences and critics alike await further developments, the film’s future remains uncertain.
