Joker 2 Box Office Failure: What Went Wrong?

A major cinematic event from the DC Comics Universe has not met the expected Box Office numbers, leaving fans to debate why it has become another major failure for DC and Warner Bros. The series' latest project was a major sequel - "Joker: Folie á Deux," featuring the unforgettable performance of Joaquin Phoenix.

Blame For Joker 2's Box Office Failure

From the moment that "Joker 2" was released, audiences, the media and the entire movie world was going to try to understand just why things didn't quite go as planned for what was assumed to be a hit for Warner Bros! "Joker" was an incredible success, earning so much love for its deep exploration of an incredibly troubled character who also managed to touch on important themes such as mental health. And now, those of us who love comic book films and the DC Universe are questioning just how the sequel could be so lackluster, despite bringing back a super talented cast!

But this also highlights how Warner Bros., over the last couple of years, has experienced so much shake-up.

Also Read: Joker: Folie à Deux - Harley Quinn's Transformation: What's New?

Blame Goes To Former Executives:

Arthur Fleck in Joker Folie a Duex Image

It turns out the issues started a few years back, when Warner Bros had its leadership change!

The studio lost Toby Emmerich who was formerly in charge as head of Warner Bros!
Walter Hamada left the company!

While these individuals left the studio in 2022, this new movie was already a done deal and it looks like the choices that were made by these former executives are really what created an incredible budget.

The movie budget was $190 million in comparison to its first iteration which cost about $55 Million.

That's a huge jump in expense and a bit of a problem that is a direct outcome of Phillips, the director of both films, and Joaquin Phoenix! Their talent brought them both big, big paychecks.

That isn't all.

While this would give many artists an opportunity to explore some amazing creative ideas, they would have to spend time figuring out new directions and making new choices that can bring new, unique and fulfilling film experiences for the audience.

Warner Bros was a hotbed of change, so the people who should have been keeping an eye on things couldn't help but really feel the effects of leadership shifts and instability, and may be one reason "Joker 2" became such a risky venture.

Also Read: Is 'Joker 2' a Box Office Failure? What Went Wrong with 'Joker: Folie à Deux'?

The New DC Studio

With an incredible focus on giving audiences those iconic heroes of the DC Universe, some of the studios major changes didn't come out of thin air, which means we get a more complex look as to just what may have made "Joker 2" such an exciting project for its actors, creators and producers, and an odd project to make for everyone else. It looks like Warner Bros Discovery CEO, David Zazlav might just have some accountability.

With a merger in mind, and a ton of money needed, Zaslav created some changes.

This meant making changes with a lot of content! Like the streaming service that became "Max."
Zaslav wanted to focus more on getting more major box office wins.

The goal was to bring in those big bucks! So this set the stage for a decision. The studio would really try to showcase its classic characters in order to really bring back big name Movies. While some thought it would bring major wins, and audiences might get those moments they would love to see, this could have possibly created something less than what everyone hoped.

Also Read: Why Superman's DCEU Run Didn't Soar: A Look at the Biggest Flaws

Joker 2's Director

Arthur Fleck/Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) interrogating a witness in court in Joker: Folie à Deux Image

There are very few directors who have the chance to make a blockbuster movie and keep fans happy. But when they do it often involves some truly big risks! Todd Phillips, the director of "Joker 2", and "The Hangover," is certainly known for being a master of comedy, and that might be a problem when working in the world of superhero films.

He decided to make "Joker" an intensely dramatic film that went on to earn an incredible award.
Phillips went back to a sequel, and with such a complex project and the story's powerful emotions, that didn't have a happy ending! The ending is a powerful representation of just what can happen in this crazy world.

There are plenty of films, for any director! To try to duplicate or repeat something that's super successful, often doesn't work.

Also Read: Joker 2: Folie a Deux - Release Date, Cast, and Why It's a Big Deal

Blame On Joaquin Phoenix

Jack Nicholson, Barry Keoghan, and Joaquin Phoenix as The Joker Image

There was major press, giving everyone a perspective, and in that reporting, a truly bold and fascinating comment came to the surface!

The story behind why the movie got made really goes to the heart of Joaquin Phoenix.

You know Phoenix was a major reason, or you can even say he's a central piece of why this project even started. This incredible talent, the leading man in the movie was even asked to give some insight about the idea.

You'd be surprised that the actor talked about wanting to return for a possible Broadway show! What was meant for a stage, eventually, ended up a Sequel.

There was definitely an amazing draw to make sure the movie would live up to his previous performance! And this new venture looked to bring in more exciting material, however. Joaquin Phoenix went beyond and created this art film.

The movie could not only capture what it wanted! It created confusion amongst its target audience, leading to one of those big misfires that made a major movie look as if it didn't have the power it truly needed to become something that could grab attention and even earn rave reviews, but ultimately made audiences turn the page. A difficult time for a star. There's a hope for this actor to come back into that world of comic book characters as there's been rumors he could reprise his role in other "Batman" Movies.

Joker 2's Marketing

Joker: Folie A Deux official poster Image

It appears as if even marketing could be part of what may have led to some of the difficulties. "Joker 2" could have a great deal to do with the story's unclear reception.

One thing is for sure, marketing is an art in itself! For a lot of people that weren't entirely convinced that "Joker" could deliver the type of entertainment it did,

"Joker: Folie à Deux," didn't help much at all, making a few false claims that there was a new musical but did not showcase what audiences should have gotten.

In truth, what the film attempted to give its audience was a unique musical. They mixed musical elements in but gave them the essence of an original dramatic film. The trailer offered up excitement in the form of a musical feel but this only created even more chaos. While those who really enjoyed the movie! It appears they were a fraction of the audience! Those who went into it, wanted a lot of what they enjoyed from "Joker", but they didn't realize that it wouldn't be nearly as dramatic as they were hoping. It was a disappointment to so many. In addition to all of the complexities and chaos, "Joker 2" went a bit too far, making audiences really question their expectations.

Joker 2's Audience

The biggest shock! What was truly disappointing! What could have been a game changer for Warner Bros didn't live up to expectations.

The most heartbreaking part is that the movie really understands its fans!
However, it did exactly the opposite! It played against their hopes for this sequel.
The first "Joker," had some fans embrace the darker elements!

"Joker 2", looked to pull the audience to a less shocking experience! This did nothing to inspire excitement!

While a film that tries to do so much to shock people is often a formula for success. In this movie's world, a villain's power to become the very evil that exists in a society is what makes this so iconic.

For those watching, you could be shocked to see that the new movie really didn't play by those norms!

It actually had a softer conclusion! While those who felt this was a more heartfelt story were there and had their opinions about the new movie, a larger amount was very disappointed.

There were moments where Joaquin Phoenix's role looked as if he was trying to change things for himself, leading to a new persona! It made this new film an experience that truly was the antithesis of its prequel! And with those who expected more madness from their most loved villain were certainly unhappy. This made the movie somewhat unique!

There are lots of discussions for fans as they look at this iconic franchise and Warner Bros is under more scrutiny!

What stands out is that "Joker 2" might have become another failed Box Office but that doesn't mean it didn't give its viewers plenty to think about!

There's still plenty of potential for this studio, which hopes that it will come back from the bad streak with this massive project that's going to shake things up in the future of DC films! This isn't the first time a film has become less successful than what fans thought it would, and they may just turn it all around with new ideas that may surprise fans from every angle.