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The highly anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning hit Joker, Joker: Folie à Deux, has become a massive disappointment both critically and commercially. Despite the immense success of the first film, which grossed over $1 billion globally, the follow-up has struggled to find its footing. Starting to a pitiful $37.8 million domestically for the weekend of October 4-6, Folie à Deux is now the first comic book movie in history to receive a D CinemaScore from audiences — an unprecedented sign of rejection from viewers.
While the film’s overseas gross of $81 million was somewhat in line with expectations, it still fell short of the first Joker movie, which went on to make over $1 billion worldwide. The reaction from fans has been largely negative, with many voicing their frustration over the sequel’s direction, tone, and storytelling. Social media is flooded with disappointment, with some fans questioning how a film with such strong pedigree—directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga—could fail so spectacularly.
Why the sequel faltered?
Critics and audiences have cited several factors contributing to the film’s downfall. One major issue is the film’s departure from the original’s tone, which was gritty, raw, and socially relevant. Joker: Folie à Deux was expected to expand on these themes, but many felt that it instead veered into a chaotic, confusing territory that alienated its audience. The inclusion of musical elements—highlighted by Lady Gaga’s role as Harley Quinn—was a significant tonal shift that didn’t sit well with the fans who loved the dark, psychological thriller of the first film.
Fans have also pointed to lackluster marketing and the absence of key DC branding as potential reasons for the film’s poor reception. As Joker: Folie à Deux wasn’t marketed as part of the new DC Studios direction under James Gunn, some felt it lacked cohesion with the current DC universe, adding to the confusion about its place in the wider comic book film landscape.
Additionally, insiders revealed that director Todd Phillips had complete creative control, including final cut rights, without the usual test screenings. While this was done to avoid spoilers, it also led to a lack of external feedback that could have saved the film’s final cut. A more iconic and cohesive narrative could have saved the film from alienating audiences. Many believe that had Phillips stuck to the core elements that made the first Joker film so successful, particularly its exploration of the character’s psychological depth and societal themes, the movie might have resonated better.
Could a change in direction have saved it?
Some sources suggest that there was still a chance to save Joker: Folie à Deux if Todd Phillips had opted for a more iconic and grounded approach. Fans had high expectations for the sequel to build upon the themes of isolation, mental health, and societal pressure that made the first film a cultural touchstone. A tighter narrative with a clearer connection to Joker’s deep psychological exploration—rather than a musical departure with Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn—might have kept the sequel aligned with the tone that made the original such a success.
One key decision that could have helped Folie à Deux was a more cautious use of musical elements. Although Lady Gaga’s casting was seen as a major draw for some, others questioned whether it was the right fit for the film’s dark atmosphere. Had Phillips focused more on the psychological thriller aspect of the Joker character, as he did so masterfully in the original, the film might have received a warmer reception.
The fallout
The fallout from Folie à Deux’s poor performance has been significant for Warner Bros., which was hoping for another smash hit to follow in the footsteps of the first Joker. Sources close to the studio described the situation as a “huge disaster,” with many wondering how Warner executives, including co-heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, could have allowed a film with such potential to go so far off course.
Despite Folie à Deux being a collective failure, many agree it was the right decision to make the sequel. Phillips, who helped Warner Bros. rake in billions through both Joker and The Hangover series, has a proven track record, and the studio’s decision to move forward with the sequel was driven by the desire to capitalize on the success of the first film. However, Folie à Deux highlights a significant issue with creative autonomy—Phillips had too much of it. Without proper oversight and feedback, the sequel suffered from an inconsistent tone and an unclear message, leaving fans and critics alike disappointed.
The fans’ reaction
On social media, the reactions have been nothing short of scathing. Fans who were eager to see the continuation of the Joker saga have expressed feelings of betrayal, citing the movie’s deviation from the first film’s grounded approach. One fan posted on Twitter, “What happened to the Joker I fell in love with? This musical nonsense was not it.” Another commented, “The first Joker spoke to real issues, but this felt like a farce. It didn’t even feel like it belonged in the same universe.”
Some fans are even suggesting that the movie’s poor reception could lead to it becoming a “cult classic” of sorts—watchable not for its merits, but for how bizarrely it failed to meet expectations.
Ultimately, Joker: Folie à Deux‘s performance at the box office shows that even with A-list stars, top-tier directors, and a proven franchise, creative risks need to be measured. Had Phillips hewed closer to the elements that made the first Joker film such a critical and commercial hit, he may have been able to salvage this sequel’s reputation. As it stands, Folie à Deux is a stark reminder that even the biggest names in Hollywood can miss the mark when it comes to audience expectations.
How Christopher Nolan’s Joker move would have saved
Christopher Nolan, renowned for his meticulous storytelling and deep psychological exploration of characters, has set a high bar for comic book adaptations, particularly with his Dark Knight Trilogy. His approach, especially the iconic and grounded tone of his films, has been heralded as the gold standard for modern superhero cinema. Comparing this with Todd Phillips’ approach in Joker: Folie à Deux, we can theorize how Nolan’s last-scene suggestions might have significantly altered the sequel’s trajectory and possibly saved it from the critical and commercial disappointment it became.
1. Grounded Narrative Approach
One of Nolan’s key strengths is his ability to ground larger-than-life characters, such as Batman and the Joker, in a real-world setting. His version of the Joker, portrayed by Heath Ledger, was frighteningly grounded in a world of anarchy, chaos, and societal decay. The first Joker film drew from this approach, presenting a psychological deep-dive into Arthur Fleck’s mental state and the sociopolitical issues that contributed to his eventual descent into madness. This made the film resonate with audiences as it felt relevant and impactful, much like The Dark Knight did in 2008.
In contrast, Joker: Folie à Deux deviated from this established realism by incorporating musical elements and a more chaotic narrative. The tonal shift towards a more surreal experience, with Harley Quinn (played by Lady Gaga) involved in elaborate musical numbers, likely alienated audiences who were expecting the same gritty realism that defined the first film.
Nolan’s Suggestion: Had Phillips sought Nolan’s advice or followed a similarly grounded last-scene approach, the sequel could have ended with a pivotal, iconic moment that refocused the narrative on Arthur Fleck’s evolution as the Joker in a more serious tone. This could have avoided the film veering into what some saw as whimsical chaos and brought it back to exploring themes of isolation, mental illness, and societal pressure that were present in the first film.
2. Psychological Depth
Nolan’s films excel at exploring the psychology of his characters, giving audiences a deep understanding of their motivations and inner struggles. His Joker was a master manipulator who represented chaos, but his portrayal was deeply rooted in a clear philosophical viewpoint. Similarly, the first Joker movie focused heavily on Arthur Fleck’s psychological transformation, creating a layered, nuanced character that viewers empathized with, despite his actions.
Folie à Deux failed to expand on this psychological depth. The addition of musical numbers and Harley Quinn’s character shifted the film away from a deep exploration of Joker’s mental state. Instead, the focus was spread thin, making the film feel disjointed and lacking the emotional gravitas that defined the first installment.
Nolan’s Suggestion: Nolan’s direction likely would have maintained the tight focus on Joker’s internal conflict, highlighting his chaotic yet tragic psyche. A Nolan-inspired last scene would have presented Joker in a climactic, psychologically intense moment—perhaps a confrontation with society or a personal reckoning—rather than a surreal musical finale. This would have stayed true to the character’s tragic roots and kept audiences engaged in his mental unraveling.
3. Cohesive Thematic Exploration
Nolan’s films often explore societal issues, power dynamics, and the blurred lines between order and chaos. His ability to weave these themes into the fabric of his narratives gave his films a timeless quality. The first Joker movie excelled at this by addressing societal decay, mental illness, and the failures of the system, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Folie à Deux faltered by shifting away from these cohesive themes and moving towards a more abstract and chaotic portrayal of Joker’s world. The lack of focus on societal commentary, which was so integral to the first film, left the sequel feeling disconnected from its predecessor. The introduction of musical elements and Harley Quinn’s character further diluted the core themes, causing fans to feel disconnected from the darker social commentary they expected.
Nolan’s Suggestion: Nolan would likely have suggested a final scene that re-centered the film on the exploration of societal and personal breakdowns. The sequel could have culminated in a climactic event—perhaps a riot or a mass societal upheaval—reflecting the themes of disorder and chaos that defined Joker’s rise. This would have reinforced the psychological and societal elements that resonated with audiences in the first film, ensuring a stronger thematic continuity between the two movies.
4. Character Development and Restraint
In Nolan’s films, character arcs are methodically developed, with restraint in creative liberties. His Joker in The Dark Knight became an instant cultural icon not because of flashy action sequences or grandiose moments, but because of the character’s intricately developed motivations and philosophy. Similarly, the first Joker focused tightly on Arthur Fleck’s transformation, which allowed audiences to gradually understand and even sympathize with his descent into madness.
In contrast, Folie à Deux introduced Harley Quinn’s character in a way that seemed to disrupt the focus on Joker’s own journey. The inclusion of Lady Gaga’s musical performances, while a bold move, detracted from the slow-burning intensity that made the first film so effective. The sudden shift to musical elements created an incongruent experience for audiences, who were expecting a more measured continuation of Arthur Fleck’s development.
Nolan’s Suggestion: Nolan likely would have advised Phillips to maintain restraint in character development, focusing more on Joker’s personal journey rather than shifting focus to Harley Quinn or adding musical numbers. A final scene that fully encapsulated Joker’s transformation, perhaps leaving him in a position of power or as a symbol of societal chaos, would have provided a much stronger conclusion. Nolan’s careful pacing and character-driven narrative arcs could have ensured that Folie à Deux felt like a natural continuation of the original story, rather than a confusing departure.