The upcoming film *Joker: Folie à Deux* was one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2024. However, it is now being viewed as a significant box office failure, projected to incur greater losses than any other film released this year.
Over the past ten months, several major cinematic flops have emerged. The spy comedy *Argylle* kicked off the year with a disappointing performance, earning only $96 million against a hefty $200 million budget. Similarly, the Kevin Costner-led western *Horizon* managed a mere $38 million from its $50 million investment.
The video game adaptation *Borderlands* proved to be a particularly disastrous summer release, bringing in just $33 million while its production costs reached $120 million. Deadline reported that the film could end up costing Lionsgate between $20 million and $30 million in losses.
However, these figures pale in comparison to the financial blow *Joker: Folie à Deux* is delivering to Warner Bros., especially when juxtaposed with the impressive earnings of its predecessor.
The original *Joker* film was a monumental success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide from a modest $70 million budget upon its release in 2019. It set records as the highest-grossing R-rated film until it was dethroned by *Deadpool* and *Wolverine* this summer.
In stark contrast, *Joker: Folie à Deux* is struggling significantly. The initial reviews have been largely unfavorable, and its opening weekend performance was notably lower than that of the first film. The sequel’s performance declined sharply, losing its top spot to *Terrifier 3* in its second week.
Currently, the film has grossed $165 million globally, yet *Variety* reports that it needs to earn approximately $450 million to reach break-even, a target that seems increasingly unattainable with its digital release set for October 29.
According to the same source, industry insiders predict that *Joker: Folie à Deux* will cost Warner Bros. “at least $150 million to $200 million” during its theatrical run.
In response to these projections, Warner Bros. has refuted the claims, stating that the actual break-even point is closer to $375 million. A spokesperson elaborated in a statement:
“Any figures provided by anonymous ‘insiders’ or ‘rival executives’ are wildly inaccurate and reflect a worrying tendency of conflating rumors with concrete facts. The film is still showing in theaters, including a recent release in China, and will generate additional revenue through home viewing and related distributions.”
Regardless of the studio’s position, *Joker: Folie à Deux* is undoubtedly a box office catastrophe, resulting in substantial financial losses for Warner Bros.
For a more positive spin, don’t miss the lineup of 2024’s top box office successes.
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