Joker: Folie à Deuxand a selection of local Chinese titles powered the global IMAX network to a $19 million box office weekend. Warner Bros/DC’ssequel to 2019’s billion-dollar hit, filmed specifically for IMAX using IMAX Certified Cameras and featuring IMAX 1570 celluloid film screenings in select locations, made its debut, earning $10 million at the global IMAX box office. North America contributed $5 million from 415 screens,representing 12.5% of the disappointing domestic total, while 400 screens across 77 international markets brought in another $5 million for the movie, which looks like it will struggle to gain anywhere near the momentum of its predecessor, weighed down by terrible reviews and even worse word of mouth.
While the first film was divisive, to put it mildly, the sequel has been poorly received across the board.Joker: Folie à Deuxcurrently holds a “rotten” 33% critic rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoesand an even worse 31% audience score. Even worse, it became thefirst comic book movie in history to earna dreaded D CinemaScorefrom opening day crowds.
Collider’sMartin Tsaiwas one of many who were, shall we say, unconvinced by the film’s merits, stating that the musical interpretation of the film is totally mishandled and thatLady Gagais given absolutely nothing to work with. He wrote:
“Phillips had one job, which was to recreate the jittery cringe of the originalJokerto capitalize on the commercial and awards successes. A middling courtroom tale and half-baked musical is not the kind of victory lap anyone wants. Your best bet is to go rewatchThe People’s Jokerand pretend this never happened.”
What Else Is Going on in IMAX?
In China, the Golden Week holiday, which started on Tuesday, generated $8.3 million at the IMAX box office through Sunday. China Film Group’sVolunteers: The Battle of Life and Deathled the way with $6.8 million, while the remaining IMAX revenue came from Maoyan’s749 BureauandHigh Forces, as well as China Film Group’sATapestry of a Legendary Land.Meanwhile, in Japan, A24’sCivil Wardebutedand earned $300k, which brings its total IMAX global haul to $11 million.
Next week,Joker: Folie à Deuxcontinues its IMAX run, while China kicks off an 8-weekHarry Potterre-release marathon, starting withHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stonein IMAX. Thailand will also see the release of the local filmTee Yod 2on 9 IMAX screens.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Joker: Folie à Deux explores Arthur Fleck’s ongoing struggle with his dual identity as he unexpectedly discovers love and unleashes his hidden musical talent. Set against a backdrop of societal unrest, Arthur’s journey intertwines personal transformation with chaotic encounters, leading to profound shifts in his life and the world around him.
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