“Joker 2” Sees Box Office Predictions Slump, Rotten Tomatoes Scores Ahead of Release

It increasingly seems that way Joker: Folie à Deux won't have the last laugh during its theatrical release, as the film's box office projections still pale in comparison to the original film. The sequel continues to be ridiculed by some critics as it continues to divide opinions.

Per deadline, Slide for two is now ready to do between $55 and $60 million at the domestic box office on its opening weekend, and the sequel is expected to gross 140 million dollars worldwide in the first three days. The latest domestic forecast is down from $70 million a few weeks ago and down even further Slide for two behind what joker was produced on its opening weekend and grossed a record $96.2 million across North America. The projected numbers aren't overwhelming either, considering the upcoming blockbuster will cost between $190 million and $200 million to produce.

Additionally, Slide for two continues to disappoint film lovers, although the sequel is now causing a sensation 56% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, down from 60% in early September. The “bad” score comes as critics become increasingly dissatisfied with the psychological thriller's transformation into a musical, reflecting the opinion of fans who believe the musical elements make the film less engaging. Director Todd Phillips has long said that the musical aspects would eventually make sense Slide for two Premieres. But days before the expected release, many still seem unfazed by the creative change.

Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck in the Joker sequel

Slide for two Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, the nihilistic and mentally ill criminal held at Arkham State Hospital after killing Murray Franklin on live television during the original version joker. During his stay in Arkham, Arthur meets the institution's music therapist, Harleen Quinzel aka Lee (Stefani “Lady Gaga” Germanotta), and shares delusions with her, causing the two to fall madly in love. Arthur's legion of followers also hatch a plan to help him out of Arkham with his newfound love.

The joker The sequel has a lot going for it, considering that until last summer the original 2019 film held the record for the highest-grossing R-rated film in history ($1.08 billion worldwide). Deadpool and Wolverine broke it. The film also won two Oscars, including Best Actor for “Phoenix.” The sequel's mixed reactions prior to its release dated back to its debut trailer and only intensified when it premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 4th. Phillips' comments that fans won't see Arthur's transition have done nothing to improve perceptions into his more nefarious role, the Clown Prince of Crime. Germanotta also confirmed that the film was rewritten several times during production.

Phoenix and Germanotta play the main roles Slide for two alongside Harry Lawtey (Harvey Dent), Zazie Beetz (Sophie Dumond) and Brendan Gleeson. The film will likely be the last of Phillips' joker franchise, with the director shooting down the possibility of one joker threequel.

Slide for two hits theaters across North America on October 4th.

Source: Deadline/Rotten Tomatoes