“Joker: Folie à Deux” suffered a disappointing debut at the box office, bringing in a modest $37.8 million during its opening weekend. This is particularly shocking when compared to the original “Joker,” which earned $39 million in a single day back in 2019. Initial projections for the sequel ranged between $50 to $60 million, and even those estimates were considered a step down from earlier expectations of $70 million. With a hefty $200 million budget and a poor “D” grade on CinemaScore, “Joker 2” is far from replicating the success of its predecessor, which opened to a record-breaking $96.2 million in October 2019.
While “Folie à Deux” fared better internationally with $80 million from 76 markets, the film will have to sustain its momentum abroad to approach the massive $1.078 billion global gross of the original “Joker.” The first film was a dark, introspective drama that resonated with audiences due to its gritty, grounded approach. The sequel’s shift into musical fantasy, led by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, may have alienated the core audience that gravitated toward the original’s somber tone. As Jeff Bock, an analyst with Exhibitor Relations, notes: “The musical element was the wrong direction. If you aren’t giving audiences what they want, I’m not sure who you’re serving.”
On the flip side of the box office, DreamWorks’ “The Wild Robot” has been quietly climbing the ranks. Based on Peter Brown’s beloved children’s book, the animated feature topped the box office on its opening weekend, dethroning “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” after a three-week reign. After just one week, the movie has grossed over $60 million worldwide, with $43 million domestically and $18 million from international markets. With a Certified Fresh score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has received glowing reviews, which could help it build a steady momentum similar to the success of 2023’s “Elemental.”
Though “The Wild Robot” has yet to turn a profit—it needs to hit around $195 million to break even on its $78 million budget—its strong debut and positive reception suggest it has the potential to climb higher on the 2024 animated charts. While it may not reach the lofty heights of Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” it’s already on track to surpass other major animated films like “Transformers One.”
Comparing these two films reveals an interesting divide in the current landscape of cinema. “Joker: Folie à Deux” attempted to take a bold creative leap, but its pivot into musical fantasy may have been a misstep for an audience craving the darker, grittier tone of the first film. On the other hand, “The Wild Robot” is finding success through heartwarming storytelling and positive word of mouth, despite starting from more modest expectations.
In an era where IPs are frequently reimagined or revisited, perhaps “The Wild Robot’s” success signals a shift toward stories that prioritize emotional resonance over spectacle. Meanwhile, “Joker 2” serves as a cautionary tale that even popular franchises aren’t immune to the risks of creative experimentation. Audiences, it seems, are willing to embrace something fresh—so long as it feels authentic and grounded in the spirit of the original story.
