The backlash to 'Joker: Folie à Deux' shocked many, and even Lady Gaga found herself reacting unexpectedly. And this is the part most people miss—sometimes, even stars struggle to process public criticism of projects they pour their heart into. Recently, Gaga opened up about the mixed reactions to the highly anticipated sequel, which unfortunately turned out to be a box office disappointment. The original 'Joker' film was a colossal success, grossing over a billion dollars worldwide and earning Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for his intense portrayal. Given that level of success, it seemed logical that Warner Bros. would want to develop a follow-up. But what seemed like a sure-hit turned into one of 2024's biggest flops, grossing only $207.5 million globally—way below expectations—and receiving harsh reviews from critics. Not exactly the triumphant return fans envisioned.
Lady Gaga, who starred alongside Phoenix as the character Lee, recently discussed her reaction to the negative buzz with Rolling Stone. She admitted that she wasn’t completely unaffected by it but found her initial response quite surprising. "Honestly, I started laughing when I first saw the reactions," she explained. "It was so over the top and unhinged that I couldn’t help but find it funny. But as the negativity lingered, it became a bit more painful because I invested so much of myself into this project."
Gaga also shared that the intense criticism around the sequel sparked a feeling of artistic rebellion within her. She revealed how the dark and edgy energy of 'Joker: Folie à Deux' inspired her to create a music video for her song 'Disease,' which reflected that same rebellious spirit. "I threw myself into that video fully, channeling that same emotion—showing who I really am and making a statement about the fight behind it," she added.
The film’s storyline diverged from typical expectations, finding Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix) awaiting trial at Arkham State Hospital, where he begins a romantic relationship with fellow inmate Lee (Gaga). As their bond deepens, they dream up scenarios filled with musical elements. However, this approach didn't resonate with many Joker fans expecting a more traditional sequel. Alongside the creative missteps, the movie also ended up costing the studio a significant amount of money. With the production budget soaring to around $200 million, the financial loss was substantial.
Film critic Chris Bumbray voiced his disapproval of the sequel, implying that its existence was primarily driven by the original film’s massive financial success rather than a genuine artistic vision. He noted that 'Joker: Folie à Deux' seemed more like a stylistic exercise for director Todd Phillips rather than a necessary continuation. Bumbray pointed out that the film spends much of its runtime spinning its wheels—mostly feeling like a dull courtroom drama sprinkled with occasional musical sequences. Interestingly, those musical moments stood out as the film’s highlights, providing some flair amid a story that many deem unnecessary. You can read more of Bumbray's detailed critique here.
So, was this sequel a missed opportunity or simply a misfire fueled by high expectations? And how do you feel about blockbuster films chasing after huge returns without always delivering quality? Share your thoughts below—are these kinds of commercial moves worth the fallout, or should studios focus more on storytelling than box office numbers?
