Joker: Folie a Deux Sees 52% Plummet in Audience Scores Compared to Its Predecessor

The highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit, Joker, appears to be struggling to capture the hearts of its audience. While the original film famously polarized critics and fans alike—with a 68% critic score juxtaposed against a robust 89% audience score—its follow-up, Joker: Folie a Deux, is experiencing a staggering downturn. Currently, the sequel sits with a mere 39% from critics, trailing behind the recent critically panned films like Black Adam and Shazam: Fury of the Gods, shocking many fans.

In a surprising twist, the audience score has dipped even further to an abysmal 37%. This downturn indicates a strong discontent among fans who loved the original film and eagerly awaited the sequel's release. Unlike the 2019 film, Folie a Deux adds a musical element to its narrative. Many viewers are reportedly displeased with this new direction and a controversial ending that has been met with backlash.

These scores mark some of the lowest ratings in the DC film history. For context, the original Suicide Squad remains above with a 56% score, while the infamous Green Lantern rests at 45%. To find similarly low marks, you would have to dig into the annals of DC’s less heralded entries from the past like Steel, Batman and Robin, or Catwoman.

Financially, Joker: Folie a Deux is in a precarious position, with a reported budget ballooning to $200 million—nearly quadrupling the $55 million budget of its predecessor, which grossed over a billion dollars globally. Even if the sequel's box office sees a moderate success, matching half the original’s intake may not justify the costs, especially with director Todd Phillips indicating this might mark the end of his tenure in the DC Universe.

When the announcement of a musical sequel first broke, it generated skepticism, and recent reviews suggest that sentiment hasn't changed. While there are certainly viewers who appreciate the new take, the overwhelming negative scores indicate a missed opportunity that resonated poorly with both critics and audiences alike.

Nonetheless, early box office tracking suggests a potential opening of $140 million globally, including $45–57 million domestically. While this figure could be considered an opening triumph, anything below expectations may lead to struggles in the long run. As interest wanes and the dust settles, it remains to be seen whether Folie a Deux will turn a profit, or join its predecessors in the annals of DC flops.

Stay tuned for updates as fans continue to debate the film’s merits and its impact on the future of DC's cinematic universe!