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Joker: Folie à Deux struggles at the box office
Opening day performance
Joker: Folie à Deux kicked off with a modest performance at the domestic box office, securing $20 million from 4,102 locations during its launch on Friday and preview screenings. While the hype surrounding the sequel to the 2019 DC Comic hit Joker was palpable, initial earnings fell short of expectations. Industry analysts had projected an opening ranging from $50 million to $65 million. As of now, it seems the film will close its first weekend below the anticipated $50 million mark.
Comparing to the original
Heading into the weekend, Joker: Folie à Deux was anticipated to match or exceed its predecessor’s debut. However, the original Joker film, starring Joaquin Phoenix, managed to rake in a staggering $96.2 million during its opening weekend in 2019. This significant difference highlights a crucial point of comparison. The original film, directed by Todd Phillips, delved deep into a gritty character study that won Phoenix an Oscar for best actor. In contrast, Folie à Deux offers a unique twist, blending elements of a musical and love story from the minds of Joker and Harley Quinn, portrayed by Lady Gaga.
The new dynamic duo
Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as the infamous Batman villain in Joker: Folie à Deux, and this time he is accompanied by Lady Gaga, who brings to life the chaotic essence of Harley Quinn. The film marks a departure from the somber tone of its predecessor, opting instead to infuse the storyline with musical numbers and a twisted romance between the lead characters. The ensemble cast also features notable names such as Brendan Gleeson, Harry Lawtey, and Catherine Keener. Gaga’s vocal prowess adds an intriguing layer to the film, promising a fresh take on the dynamic between Joker and Harley.
Budget and critical reception
While the first Joker achieved an overwhelming success with over $1.07 billion in global box office earnings, all from a modest $65 million budget, Joker: Folie à Deux faces a different scenario. The sequel comes with a hefty $200 million price tag and hasn’t garnered the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessor. Early audience reactions have been tepid, with the film earning a disappointing “D” grade from Cinema Score’s survey of early viewers.
Box office competitors
The wild robot
Several contenders continued to vie for audience attention, rounding out the top five on the box office charts. The Wild Robot maintained solid performance, albeit dropping to second place with $4.9 million from 3,997 locations in its second Friday. The sci-fi adventure from Universal and DreamWorks Animation has now surpassed $50 million domestically, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Beetlejuice beetlejuice
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice continues to enchant audiences, securing third place with $2.7 million from 3,576 theaters on Friday. The spooky sequel, now enjoying its fifth weekend on the big screen, has amassed over $250 million in domestic box office earnings, proving Burton’s magic touch is still potent.
Transformers one
The animated prequel Transformers One captured the No. 4 spot, pulling in $1.3 million on its third Friday from 3,106 locations. Co-produced by Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment, the film is projected to achieve $5.5 million over the weekend, showing a 39% drop from its second weekend.
Speak no evil
Rounding out the top five, Speak No Evil continued to draw crowds. Universal and Blumhouse’s remake of the 2022 Danish horror film grossed $840,000 on Friday, bringing its fourth weekend total to $2.8 million. The film’s blend of horror and suspense resonates with audiences seeking a thrilling cinematic experience.
White bird
Also hitting theaters this weekend was Lionsgate’s White Bird, a prequel-sequel to the 2017 film Wonder. Starring Jacob Tremblay, White Bird garnered an estimated $660,000 from 1,018 locations on its opening day. This film, with its familial themes and emotional depth, seeks to carve its niche amidst the competitive box office landscape.
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