In a surprising turn of events, “Joker 2” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga is set to release on OTT platforms just weeks after its theatrical release. Despite high expectations following the success of the original “Joker” in 2019, the sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux”, released on October 2, 2024, has struggled at the box office. With a budget of over $300 million, including production and promotion, the film is looking to recover its losses by making an early shift to streaming platforms.
Box Office Struggles
The original “Joker” was a massive hit, earning over a billion dollars and earning Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor. However, the sequel has not lived up to the same hype. According to reports from Variety Magazine, “Joker 2” has only managed to gross $165 million in its first 13 days, leaving it far short of breaking even. With the film’s budget sitting at $300 million, including a staggering $100 million for promotion, its box office performance has been disappointing.
Sources suggest that Warner Bros. had hoped for the film to generate at least $200 million by this point, but poor reviews and lukewarm audience reactions have hindered its performance. As it stands, the movie may end up losing $100 to $150 million if it doesn’t pick up momentum.
Early OTT Release to Recover Losses
Given the situation, Warner Bros. is reportedly preparing to release “Joker 2” on OTT platforms much earlier than planned. Insiders suggest the film will start streaming by October 29, 2024. This move is aimed at recovering a portion of the losses by reaching a wider audience who may prefer to watch the film from home.
Currently, no specific OTT platform has been confirmed, but rumors suggest that HBO Max and Netflix are the leading contenders. In India, there is also speculation that the film might stream on Jio Cinema.
Poor Reception and Ratings
One of the primary reasons behind the film’s box office failure could be its poor critical reception. “Joker 2” has received a rating of just 33% on Rotten Tomatoes and an IMDb rating of 5.3—quite low compared to its predecessor, which had high praise from both critics and audiences.
Despite these setbacks, there is hope that the movie may find success in the OTT space, where it could gain a larger audience without the same box office pressure.
Cast and Story
While Joaquin Phoenix reprised his role as the troubled and chaotic Arthur Fleck, better known as the Joker, this sequel introduced Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. The psychological thriller continues to delve into the depths of Fleck’s psyche, exploring the twisted relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn.
Final Thoughts on OTT Release
Though “Joker 2” didn’t fare as expected in theaters, its OTT release could potentially bring a second wave of viewership. Fans of Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker, and Gaga’s new take on Harley Quinn, might still give the film a strong following on streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for the film’s OTT debut by the end of October!
