Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker returns to the big screen this weekend with “Joker: Folie a Deux.” The sequel to the acclaimed film “Joker,” which received an Oscar nomination, has garnered $7 million during its Thursday previews. Phoenix reprises his role as the infamous villain, joined by Lady Gaga as the equally chaotic Harley Quinn.
While “Folie a Deux” aims to match the original film’s remarkable success, it faces a daunting task. The 2019 “Joker” achieved a staggering $1.07 billion globally on a modest $65 million budget. In contrast, the sequel comes with a hefty $200 million price tag and has not received as many favorable reviews. The original film saw Thursday previews of $13.3 million, leading to a blockbuster opening weekend of $96.2 million. In comparison, “Folie a Deux” is projected to earn between $50 million and $65 million.
The sequel premiered at the Venice Film Festival, but it did not capture the same acclaim as its predecessor, which won the Golden Lion in 2019. While the first installment was a dark character study that earned Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor, “Folie a Deux” presents a unique twist, combining musical elements with a love story involving Joker and Harley. The cast also includes Brendan Gleeson, Harry Lawtey, Catherine Keener, among others, showcasing Gaga’s vocal talent.
Additionally, Lionsgate’s “White Bird,” a prequel and sequel to the 2017 film “Wonder” featuring Jacob Tremblay, also opens this weekend but is forecasted for a modest single-digit opening.