Warner Bros. Defends "Joker: Folie à Deux" Despite Box Office Failure

"Joker: Folie à Deux," the sequel to the 2019 film "Joker," has faced significant backlash since its release in October 2024. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film grossed only $207 million against a reported budget of $200 million, a stark contrast to its predecessor's $1.1 billion earnings. Critics have largely dismissed the film, leading to its absence from the Academy Awards, unlike the original, which received multiple nominations and wins.

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In an exclusive interview with TheWrap, Warner Bros. film executives Pamela Abdy and Michael De Luca expressed their unwavering support for "Folie à Deux." Abdy stated, “I really liked the movie. I still do,” while De Luca described it as “revisionist” and acknowledged that its ambitious approach may have been “too revisionist for a global mainstream audience.” He praised the creative team for avoiding the typical sequel pitfalls, emphasizing their decision not to replicate the first film's formula.

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Despite the executives' defense, the film has been criticized for its tonal shift, blending elements of a jukebox musical with courtroom drama, which did not resonate with audiences. The film's reception has been characterized by negative reviews and a poor Rotten Tomatoes score, leading to speculation about the future of Abdy and De Luca at Warner Bros. However, they have since rebounded with a series of successful releases in 2025, including "A Minecraft Movie," "Sinners," and "Superman."

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Notable figures in the film industry, such as director Quentin Tarantino, have also weighed in on the film's legacy. Tarantino suggested that Phillips embodies the Joker in a metaphorical sense, asserting that the film challenges conventional expectations. Meanwhile, Hideo Kojima, a prominent game developer, predicted that the film's reputation might improve over time, stating, “Over the next 10 or 20 years, this film’s reputation will likely change.”

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Warner Bros. executives have acknowledged the film's shortcomings while maintaining that it was a bold artistic endeavor. De Luca remarked, “Everyone has flops, but not everyone has hits,” indicating a resilient attitude towards the film's failure. Lady Gaga, reflecting on audience reactions, noted, “People just sometimes don’t like some things,” emphasizing the necessity for artists to persevere despite criticism.

Gizmodo

While Warner Bros. leadership defends the film's artistic merits, the overwhelming consensus among critics and audiences suggests a stark disconnect between the film's intentions and its reception. The lack of public test screenings prior to release has been cited as a contributing factor to its failure, raising questions about the studio's decision-making process.

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• “I really liked the movie. I still do.” — Pamela Abdy, Warner Bros. Film Chief

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• “Over the next 10 or 20 years, this film’s reputation will likely change along with the permeation of hero movies to come. It may take some time for it to become a true ‘folie à deux.'” — Hideo Kojima, Game Developer

Gizmodo

• “He’s saying fuck you to Hollywood.” — Quentin Tarantino, Director

Gizmodo

In summary, while "Joker: Folie à Deux" has been labeled a box office bomb, Warner Bros. executives remain steadfast in their belief in the film's artistic vision, even as they navigate the challenges of its critical reception.

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