"Joker: Folie à Deux," the sequel to the 2019 film "Joker," has experienced significant setbacks since its release. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film features Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck and Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. Initially, the film generated excitement, especially with its musical elements and the introduction of a romantic dimension between Joker and Harley Quinn. However, audience reception has been mixed, and the film has struggled at the box office, potentially marking a record drop in earnings during its second weekend.
Critics have pointed to various reasons behind its disappointing performance. Some suggest that the decision to include musical numbers detracted from the film's narrative, while others see Phillips' direction as overly ambitious and miscalculated, especially given the mixed reactions to breaking traditional storytelling methods. Additionally, there has been a notable backlash concerning Lady Gaga's portrayal of Harley Quinn, particularly after scenes deemed controversial were cut from the final edit, including a same-sex kiss.
Audience reactions have also spotlighted issues of sexism, with many believing that female-led narratives are often unfairly scrutinized. Furthermore, discussions around the representation of various characters in the film, including criticisms of the underrepresentation of Black actors, have added fuel to the fire of online discourse surrounding the film.
As a result, "Joker: Folie à Deux" appears to be floundering, leading to conversations about the future of DC projects, particularly under the leadership of James Gunn, amid the backdrop of fan disappointment and the question of whether a third installment will happen. Overall, the film's mixed legacy raises questions not only about its artistic direction but also about the ongoing complexities of gender representation in Hollywood.