Lady Gaga, known for her trailblazing music career and impactful acting roles, has faced a new setback with the lackluster reception of Joker: Folie à Deux, the much-anticipated sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 smash hit Joker. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the movie, both critics and audiences have responded with sharp criticism, resulting in poor box office numbers and a low CinemaScore – leaving Gaga and her team feeling disappointed.
Gaga, 38, takes on the iconic role of Harley Quinn, known in the movie as Harleen Lee Quinzel, alongside the critically acclaimed Joaquin Phoenix, who reprised his role as Arthur Fleck, aka the Joker. Despite both stars’ established reputations and Joaquin Phoenix’s Academy Award win for Joker, this follow-up has been unable to live up to its predecessor’s towering success.
Released on October 4, 2024, Joker: Folie à Deux struggled to capture audiences, garnering a domestic box office return of less than $40 million. Coupled with an abysmal D score from CinemaScore, the film has been deemed one of the most poorly received comic book adaptations in recent memory. The flop has left fans and critics alike questioning what went wrong with a sequel that seemed destined for success.
The Expectations for Joker: Folie à Deux
From the outset, Joker: Folie à Deux was poised to be a major success, driven by the cultural and critical impact of the original film. The first Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, was a dark, gritty exploration of a failed comedian’s descent into madness. Its themes of mental illness and societal neglect resonated with audiences, earning over $1 billion at the box office and winning Joaquin Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Lady Gaga’s addition to the sequel only fueled anticipation. A pop icon and Oscar-nominated actress, Gaga’s dramatic turn as Ally in A Star is Born (2018) had already proven her versatility. Stepping into the shoes of Harley Quinn, a character beloved by comic book fans, seemed like a bold move that could cement her status as a multifaceted star in Hollywood.
Gaga was also passionate about the role. She immersed herself in portraying the Joker’s partner-in-crime, a character that has been historically linked to a complex mix of madness, violence, and romance. Given the film’s marketing and early buzz from critics, both Gaga and her team were confident that Joker: Folie à Deux would not only be a box-office hit but could also serve as her ticket to another Oscar nomination.
What Went Wrong?
Despite the buzz, the film’s release proved otherwise. Multiple factors contributed to the disappointing performance of Joker: Folie à Deux, including tonal shifts, creative choices, and fan expectations.
- The Musical Element: One of the most talked-about aspects of the sequel was its decision to take a musical approach. While this creative choice seemed fresh and risky, it may not have sat well with audiences expecting a continuation of the grounded, raw storytelling that defined the original film. Early reviews pointed out the jarring contrast between the musical numbers and the bleak narrative surrounding the Joker and Harley Quinn’s relationship. For many, this shift felt disjointed, and the whimsical tone of the musical sequences undercut the dark, psychological drama they were anticipating.
- Mixed Reception from Critics: While some critics appreciated the film’s ambition and Gaga’s performance, others were far less enthusiastic. The screenplay, pacing, and direction were criticized for being overindulgent, with some claiming that Folie à Deux failed to replicate the emotional depth and narrative complexity of the first film. The sequel was described as messy and lacking cohesion, which made it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters.
- Harley Quinn’s Characterization: While Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn was highly anticipated, many fans felt that her version of the character lacked the charisma and energy typically associated with Harley. Compared to Margot Robbie’s portrayal of the character in Suicide Squad (2016) and Birds of Prey (2020), Gaga’s interpretation felt more subdued, which may have alienated fans of the character. This, coupled with the musical element, led to a less-than-satisfying debut for Gaga as Harley Quinn.
- Box Office Competition: The film also faced stiff competition at the box office. Released during a busy period for big-budget films, Joker: Folie à Deux struggled to capture a large audience. Major blockbuster films with broad appeal were competing for attention, and Joker 2 couldn’t carve out a large enough niche in this crowded marketplace. With audiences perhaps expecting something closer to the original’s style, the film’s musical format and tonal divergence may have further dissuaded potential viewers.
- CinemaScore’s Impact: The CinemaScore rating of D is one of the lowest ever for a comic book film. This is significant, as CinemaScore ratings reflect the reactions of opening-night audiences and are often used to gauge a film’s potential for long-term success. A low score signals poor word of mouth, which can doom a film’s chances of having a sustained box office run. In this case, the D rating indicated a serious disconnect between the movie and its core audience.
Lady Gaga’s Response
As the film failed to meet expectations, sources close to Lady Gaga have revealed that the singer-actress is deeply disappointed by the outcome. A source told DailyMail.com that Gaga was shocked by the negative response and had been expecting the film to be much more warmly received.
“She put so much heart into the movie and has so much respect for the DC comics fan base,” the source stated, adding that her team is now quietly exploring other projects to distance her from the failure of Joker 2. This marks a difficult moment for Gaga, who had seen the film as a potential stepping stone toward another Academy Award nomination.
What’s Next for Lady Gaga?
Despite the disappointment of Joker: Folie à Deux, Lady Gaga is reportedly already eyeing her next major acting opportunity. She is said to be keen on landing a role in Quentin Tarantino’s final film, a project that has been shrouded in mystery but which the Pulp Fiction director has suggested will be his last.
A source close to the star revealed that Gaga considers working with Tarantino a “bucket list moment” and that she plans to lobby hard to secure a meeting with him once the script for his final film is available. Although details about the project are scarce, Gaga’s ambition to collaborate with Tarantino signals her determination to remain a force in the film industry, despite the setback of Joker 2.
The Broader Implications for Comic Book Movies
The failure of Joker: Folie à Deux also raises questions about the future of comic book adaptations. With superhero fatigue becoming a prevalent issue, audiences are becoming more selective about which films they choose to support. Joker was initially praised for breaking away from the traditional comic book movie formula, but the sequel’s attempt to innovate further with a musical format may have pushed the envelope too far.
The industry may need to reconsider its approach to these adaptations, ensuring that filmmakers strike a balance between creativity and audience expectations. Lady Gaga’s disappointment reflects the larger challenge faced by Hollywood – as both stars and studios struggle to navigate an increasingly critical and demanding fanbase.
Conclusion
While Lady Gaga’s role in Joker: Folie à Deux may not have lived up to her expectations, it is clear that she remains an ambitious artist eager to take on new and challenging roles. The movie’s critical failure, although disappointing, is just one chapter in her ever-evolving career. As she sets her sights on future projects, including the possibility of working with Quentin Tarantino, fans can expect that Gaga will continue to surprise and captivate – on both the big screen and the stage.
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