Joker 2 Digital Release Date Announced Just Two Weeks Following Box Office Disappointment

Essential Insights

Due to its lackluster box office performance, Joker: Folie à Deux will be available for home viewing sooner than planned.
The sequel suffered from mixed to unfavorable reviews, grossing just $37.8 million in North America.
The upcoming digital release could provide Joker 2 a chance to recover losses and improve its standing.

In light of its disappointing box office results, Warner Bros. is expediting the release of Joker: Folie à Deux for home audiences.

Directed by Todd Phillips, this sequel to the 2019 blockbuster broke numerous records. The original film not only garnered mixed critical responses but also amassed over $1 billion worldwide and received 11 Oscar nominations. Therefore, it was expected that the studio and Phillips would proceed with a follow-up. However, Joker 2 faced even more contentious reviews and did not perform well in theaters. Consequently, Warner Bros. plans to make the film available on home entertainment platforms far earlier than anticipated.

As reported by Variety, Joker: Folie à Deux will be released on streaming services on October 29, only weeks after its theatrical debut on October 4. This rapid transition is a stark departure from the original Joker, which was released in theaters on October 4, 2019, but didn’t become available digitally until December 17—more than two months later. Featuring Joaquin Phoenix, the sequel’s quick digital rollout reflects a significant change in distribution strategy and gives fans a chance to view the film from home much sooner. This shift indicates a notable struggle for the film at the box office.

The follow-up to the 2019 hit premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2024, where it garnered a standing ovation; however, audience reactions were quite mixed. It’s important to note that while the initial film also received a divided reception, it leaned more positively overall. Conversely, Joker 2 attracted predominantly mixed and negative critiques. Early expectations had suggested that the sequel might surpass $100 million in its opening weekend, but unfavorable reviews played a significant role in its box office struggle, resulting in a mere $37.8 million North American gross. The film experienced a staggering 81% decline in revenue during its second weekend, earning only $7.05 million. Projections indicate that Warner Bros. could incur losses between $150 to $200 million through Joker 2‘s theatrical run.

Despite experiencing setbacks both critically and financially, Joker: Folie à Deux now has a chance to reclaim some of its success via digital platforms. Its underwhelming theatrical performance has opened the door to potential redemption; a strong showing in home entertainment sales could prove beneficial. Although robust digital revenue and streaming viewership may not entirely offset its disappointing box office take, they could nonetheless enhance the film’s visibility and generate additional income—allowing it a second chance. This transition to digital could be pivotal in shaping the overall perception and profitability of the film. It remains to be seen whether Joker 2 achieves success on streaming platforms and aids Warner Bros. in recovering its expenses.

Joker: Folie à Deux is currently screening in theaters.

Source: Variety

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