After a disappointing box-office run, Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker: Folie à Deux has earned a premature Digital release.
Oftentimes, studio interference hinders the quality of the final product, and Warner Bros. has been infamous for impending with the director’s vision, especially in the now-defunct DCEU. On the flip side, giving the director the full creative freedom has often led to great returns, with Todd Phillips’ Joker being one of the biggest examples.
Joker: Folie à Deux | Credit: Warner Bros.However, the reception to Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker: Folie à Deux has been a total contrast to that of the first release, and fans aren’t slowing down with the jokes, as the film inches towards its digital release.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker 2 Is Set To Hit Digital After Disappointing Box-Office Run
While the first Joker didn’t do huge numbers critically, most resonated with Arthur’s story of being pushed down by society, and the box office collection certainly reflected that. As for its bold sequel, both critics and fans have been outspoken about their distaste for the Joaquin Phoenix-led flick. Moreover, as opposed to the billion-dollar box-office run of the first release, the sequel has only registered $201.1 million.
With the film now set to release on digital within a month after its release, fans aren’t shying away from poking fun at it.
not even the best evil clown movie of october 2024 pic.twitter.com/rf1G8bjHJn
— Morel (@MorelUpdates) October 28, 2024
This is what happens when we confuse the director of “The Hangover” as an auteur. 🎥
— Leo🇺🇸 (@SirLeoX) October 28, 2024
Digital already? Joker 2 moves faster than Arthur Fleck’s dance moves 💥
— Aravind (@TVFP2) October 28, 2024
I’ll watch La La Land
— Degeneer (@Degeneer03) October 28, 2024
“Joker 2 is already on digital? Guess the Joker’s plan to bring chaos to the box office didn’t quite work out.” pic.twitter.com/LW0UZMbP3E
— Tamilbuzz (@Gowtham77320175) October 28, 2024
Although the idea of Arthur not being the real Joker had the potential to be great, the overwhelming musical aspects, followed by some highly controversial choices, proved to be too much for fans.
Todd Phillips Wanted Joker 2 To Be Audacious
Joker: Folie à Deux | Credit: Warner Bros.
For Joker 2, Todd Phillips‘ lone goal was to make it “audacious, like we were swinging for the fences.” Considering the whole idea stemmed from their unsuccessful venture into the realm of Broadway, Phillips expressed that Arthur’s story has now been told, which is reasonable, given the shocking ending.
As for a potential addition to this Joker franchise, Phillips added that even though he can’t speak for Joaquin Phoenix, who earned an Oscar win for his performance back in 2020, he’s most probably out.
I don’t want to speak for Joaquin, but for me, the story of Arthur/Joker has been told. I can’t say yes or no, but it’s not necessarily my goal to stay in this space.
Joker 2 will be available to buy and rent digitally on streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu, etc, from 29 October. The film is also slated to release on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on 17 December. While no date for its streaming release has been confirmed, given it is a WB production, it’s safe to say it won’t take long for its Max premiere.
