Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated sequel, *Joker: Folie à Deux*, directed by Todd Phillips, recently opened to a modest $7 million in previews, which began at 3 PM. Though this figure offers some hope for a strong weekend gross, it suggests that the film, which carries a hefty price tag of over $190 million, might struggle to reach an estimated $50 million opening. Comparatively, notable blockbusters like *Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning* and *No Time to Die* also started with $7 million and $6.3 million in their preview nights, showcasing a more robust trajectory for those franchises. However, the first *Joker* film from 2019 launched with a striking $13.3 million in previews and ultimately raked in $96.2 million during its opening weekend—a benchmark that *Folie à Deux* seems unlikely to emulate.
Despite the general expectations surrounding the film, audience reactions have not been encouraging. The data collected from PostTrak and Comscore presents a disheartening picture: a mere 40% positivity rating and a dismal 1 to 2-star rating from the audience. Given the musical elements of this sequel, perceptions might have shifted adversely, particularly among the fanbase that initially embraced the 2019 iteration. The absence of enthusiasm is evident, aligning with other recent underperforming releases like *Megalopolis*, which received similarly lukewarm responses shortly before its own debut. This trend raises significant concerns about the impact of audience sentiment on *Joker: Folie à Deux*’s performance as the weekend progresses.
To contextualize the audience’s reception of *Folie à Deux*, it’s worth examining comparable films. The Helen Mirren-led *White Bird* scored five stars among audiences despite earlier previews only pulling in $275,000. Its 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes is a stark contrast to *Joker 2’s* plummeting 37% score, which indicates not only low critical reception but also a decreased likelihood of recommendation among viewers. Furthermore, the suggestions of a 24% rate of friends’ recommendations for the sequel cast serious doubts on its marketability and longevity.
The discrepancies in reception from different audience feedback platforms—PostTrak scoring versus CinemaScore—add layers of unpredictability. Traditionally, CinemaScore tends to reflect a more favorable view, leading to speculation about where *Joker: Folie à Deux* will end up. With critical reviews sinking to just 39% fresh, the film’s initial lackluster response might foreshadow a steep drop-off in the coming days.
Although *Joker: Folie à Deux* holds a legacy burdened by its predecessor’s unprecedented success, the sequel seems entangled in a web of declining previews, poor audience feedback, and critical scrutiny. The forecast for its opening weekend highlights the delicate balance between fan expectation and artistic direction—one that could lead to a turbulent journey for a film trying to navigate the spotlight once more.