Fact Check: Joker: Folie a Deux is one of the biggest box office bombs of all time

Fact Check: "Joker: Folie à Deux is one of the biggest box office bombs of all time"

What We Know

The claim that "Joker: Folie à Deux" is one of the biggest box office bombs of all time is based on its financial performance compared to expectations and its predecessor, "Joker" (2019). The sequel opened to approximately $37 million domestically, significantly lower than the anticipated $50 million to $65 million and far below the original's $96 million opening weekend (Looper). As a result, it has been reported that "Joker: Folie à Deux" could potentially lose Warner Bros. between $150 million to $200 million during its theatrical run (Variety).

Despite these figures, the term "box office bomb" is somewhat subjective and can vary based on how one defines a bomb. In the film industry, a movie is typically considered a bomb if it fails to recoup its production and marketing costs ([source-1]). Given that "Joker: Folie à Deux" had a substantial budget and marketing expenses, its poor performance in comparison to these costs could classify it as a bomb.

Analysis

While "Joker: Folie à Deux" has indeed performed poorly at the box office, labeling it as one of the biggest box office bombs of all time requires careful consideration of several factors:

1. Financial Context: The film's opening weekend gross of $37 million is significantly lower than expected, and its total gross of $121.1 million worldwide is disappointing compared to the original "Joker," which grossed over $1 billion (Looper, Newsweek). However, the classification of a box office bomb often depends on the total losses incurred, which are not yet fully known.

2. Comparative Analysis: The list of biggest box office bombs includes films that have lost substantial amounts of money, often exceeding $100 million in losses. For instance, films like "Waterworld" and "Cleopatra" are cited as major flops despite later breaking even through ancillary revenues ([source-1]). The current estimates for "Joker: Folie à Deux" are still evolving, and it may not yet be clear if it will join the ranks of these notorious failures.

3. Source Reliability: The sources reporting on the film's performance include reputable outlets like Variety and Looper, which provide a mix of analysis and factual reporting. However, the sensational nature of the term "box office bomb" can lead to exaggeration in headlines and discussions, making it essential to rely on detailed financial analyses rather than just box office figures (Variety, Looper).

4. Future Revenue Streams: It's also important to note that many films considered bombs can recover losses through home media sales, streaming rights, and other revenue streams. The initial box office performance does not always reflect a film's ultimate financial success ([source-1]).

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim that "Joker: Folie à Deux" is one of the biggest box office bombs of all time is currently supported by its disappointing box office performance. However, without definitive figures on total losses and a clearer understanding of its financial trajectory, it is premature to categorize it definitively as one of the biggest bombs. The evolving nature of box office reporting and potential for future revenue streams necessitates further research before reaching a conclusive verdict.

Sources

1. List of biggest box-office bombs
2. Joker (2019) - Filmweb
3. Why Joker: Folie à Deux Bombed At The Box Office - Looper
4. 'Joker Folie a Deux' to Lose Warner Bros Millions Amid Box ... - Variety
5. 'Joker: Folie à Deux' Is Bombing at the Box Office. Here's Why - Newsweek
6. Weekend Box Office: JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX Bombs in Major Franchise Upset - Box Office Pro
7. 'Joker Folie à Deux' Bombs at Box Office, Slayed by D CinemaScore - Hollywood Reporter
8. 如何评价 2019 电影《小丑》（Joker）？ - 知乎