The tumultuous nature of the film industry has once again come to light following the disappointing opening weekend of Joker: Folie à Deux. Reports indicate that significant behind-the-scenes drama marred the production of the sequel, highlighting director Todd Phillips’ apparent reluctance to collaborate with the newly appointed leadership at DC Studios.
A recent report from Variety elaborates on Phillips’ stance, noting his hesitance to engage with co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, who assumed their roles shortly before production commenced. Instead, Phillips opted to work primarily with Warner Bros. motion picture group heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, reportedly viewing the new DC leadership with skepticism. This disconnect is further underscored by the absence of DC Studios' logo at the film’s outset, a move interpreted as an overt dismissal of the studio by Phillips. While the logo does appear at the film's conclusion, its omission at the beginning stands out, particularly when juxtaposed with its presence in other recent DC projects.
Adding to the narrative of discord, Gunn was notably absent from the film's Los Angeles premiere, with explanations citing his commitment to filming Peacemaker Season 2. In the same vein, Safran’s absence was attributed to health issues, leaving fans pondering the state of DC Studios' creative direction.
Compounding the drama, The Hollywood Reporter released an article that divulged intriguing insights into the film's conception and development. Notably, it was Joaquin Phoenix, the film’s star, who advocated for a sequel after a dream inspired him. The production team even entertained the idea of transforming the sequel into a Broadway musical before settling on a conventional film format.
The reports also shed light on one of the film's most controversial plot points: the unexpected demise of Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Phoenix. In a shocking twist, Fleck meets his end in prison at the hands of a previously unseen character. This contrived ending draws parallels to an earlier iteration of the first Joker film, which sought to depict Arthur inflicting a similar fate upon himself, a concept reportedly quashed by Christopher Nolan during his tenure at Warner Bros.
In the wake of an underwhelming box office performance—grossing merely $37.8 million, significantly less than its predecessor—Joker: Folie à Deux faces mounting criticism, with analysts describing its opening as an "unmitigated disaster." This disheartening reception raises questions about the film's potential for recovery in the coming weeks.
As the fallout from Joker: Folie à Deux continues to unfold, the behind-the-scenes revelations serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities inherent in film production. Whether this sequel can overcome the weight of its troubled genesis remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly sets the stage for further scrutiny of both the film and its creators