Joker: Folie à Deux opened to a poor box office reception in theatres following its release on October 4, 2024, in the USA (October 2 in India). The sequel to the acclaimed 2019 film Joker has little to no chance of replicating the billion-dollar success of its predecessor, despite reuniting lead star Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck, and director Todd Phillips, with the star-studded addition of Lady Gaga. ‘Joker Folie a Deux’ Movie Review: Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s Doomed Musical Love Story Is Both Fascinating and Frustrating!

Joker: Folie à Deux has also received mixed reviews from critics, contributing to its cold reception at the box office. Unlike a Jurassic World film, it isn't critic-proof. One major criticism revolves around its refusal to allow its damaged protagonist to fully accept his turn as the Joker, despite the first film ending on that note.

(SPOILERS AHEAD) In a key scene during the film’s third act, Arthur Fleck tells the court that "Joker" is not a split personality and that the Joker doesn’t exist. Instead, it’s been Arthur all along, simply letting his fantasies get the better of him. ‘Joker Folie a Deux’ Ending Explained: Will Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga Return for ‘Joker 3’? Here’s What the Climax Says!

Speaking about this scene to Entertainment Weekly, director Todd Phillips explained, "When those guards kill that kid in the hospital, he realises that dressing up in makeup, putting on this thing, it’s not changing anything. In some ways, he’s accepted the fact that he’s always been Arthur Fleck; he’s never been this thing that’s been put upon him, this idea (of being the Joker) that Gotham people put on him, that he represents. He’s an unwitting icon. This thing was placed on him, and he doesn’t want to live as a fake anymore — he wants to be who he is."

Watch the Trailer of ‘Joker Folie a Deux’:

Essentially, what Phillips is saying is that Arthur Fleck was never truly the Joker; rather, the idea was imposed upon him by the people of Gotham, and he merely played along. ‘Joker Folie a Deux’ Box Office Verdict – Hit or Flop: Is Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s Movie an Outright Theatrical Disaster? Find Out!

This explanation did little to appease the film's critics, who responded with jokes and memes, pointing out that they came to watch a film called Joker and, therefore, expected the movie to actually be about the Joker. What's more, Phillips' explanation goes completely against what the director tried to establish with the character at the end of the first Joker movie.

Here's How Fans Reacted to This Statement

'Fixes It'

'Why the Name Joker Then?'

What if The Batman Movie Wasn't About Batman

'This is in Ur Script'

'The Film is Called Joker'

'The Original Ending of First Film'

'Dumbest Twist in Cinema History'

'Clown'

'Not Joker'

When a film or show defies audience expectations with a significant plot development, the response is often divided. Sometimes, it's met with universal praise, while other times, it’s uniformly criticised. In the case of Joker: Folie à Deux, it appears to have fallen into the latter category. Perhaps, in this instance, embracing the chaos would have been a more fitting choice than trying to distance the character from it.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2024 05:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).