Joker: Folie a Deux
has drastically underperformed compared to the first movie, and it’s starting to make the ‘new and improved’ DCU Look bad, although it has almost no connection. When Todd Phillips Joker released in 2019, it quickly shattered box office records as the billion-dollar hit film became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. The spectacular story, the unique approach to a superhero movie, and the stunning acting by the leading man, Joaquin Phoenix, all came together to create an outstanding solo film that captivated audiences everywhere.
However, despite the original movie being made and released as a standalone film, the studios saw the potential to expand, and so, Joker: Folie à Deux was put into production, despite concerns. Of course, there was a gap of five years until the sequel was eventually released, and during that time, there were Major changes at Warner Bros. and in the DCEU. Namely, James Gunn and Peter Safran were hired as co-CEOs to take over the DC branch of entertainment media, including movies, television and video games. In the overhaul, many previous DC projects were canceled, actors were dropped from notable roles, and the DCEU was set to reboot as the DCU.
The failure of Joker 2 has nothing to do with James Gunn’s new DC team
Joker: Folie à Deux is more DCEU than DCU Elseworlds
However, while some titles survived the changeover, that doesn’t mean Gunn and the new DCU team had much to do with them. While Gunn now has a major hand in the future of the DCUProjects like Joker: Folie à Deux are simply already in development and too popular for the studio to put down. Phillips remained as director, and ultimately he had the final say in what he wanted to do with Joker 2.
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Gunn said on Threads That he could see Joker: Folie à Deux Before it was released, and he offered notes about the project, but Phillips is able to adhere to or ignore the suggestions as he wants. Since the project was already in “full swing”, it was Little Gunn could have done to step in and change things. Potentially, with the level of their new position, they could have made more waves and pushed their opinions, but it appears that Gunn has enough respect and consideration for the other creatives not to step on their toes.
Todd had Joker in full swing when we came aboard – I’ve watched and given notes, but it’s mostly with WB, where it started. Everything ahead in life-struggle we are involved with.
– James Gunn on Threads
With all that in mind, it’s clear that Gunn and the new team aren’t involved in the process Joker: Folie à Deux In any meaningful way. While this clearly allowed Phillips some freedom, it also resulted in a Movie that was made with minimal supervisionAnd a lack of audience test screening beforehand Joker 2s Release. And while this may have been helpful to the director’s creativity and vision, it resulted in a product that was incredibly underwhelming.
Why Joker 2’s failure is still reflecting on Gunn & the DCU
DC’s reputation is in ruins after years of empty promises
Despite the distance between Gunn, the DCU and Joker: Folie à DeuxThe movie’s sub-par performance still impacted the rebooted universe. The fact remains that audiences are struggling to engage with anything from the larger DC shared universe. From 2013 to 2023, the DCEU was a series of missteps That received lackluster reports, and raised more questions than answers.
While some projects appeared to hit their stride and deliver the promise of a brighter future, many were scrapped in favor of more obscure projects. Wonder Woman It was a hit, but the sequel failed to generate any enthusiasm. Aquaman was a similar success, but it took five years and many delays for the sequel to eventually come out. And when The Rock led an almighty marketing campaign to get the DCEU back on track, even pulling Henry Cavill back after years of not appearing on screen, the Announcements and decisions are quickly reversed In favor of a new direction.
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Joker 2 May not be James Gunn’s project, and he may have had little to do with any decisions for the film, but trust has long been broken for fans who expected and hoped for more from DC. There is no denying that these characters are some of the best and most imaginative in the world, as for decades they have been household names. They have successfully starred in many films and TV shows before the DCEU, but now Gunn and his team need to work hard to get trust back After the injury of the DCU, and its after.
The failure of Joker 2 proves that DC can’t afford any more missteps
Things need to improve for the DCU and fast
If Joker: Folie à Deux did something for the DCU, it made it loud and clear that they cannot afford to make another mistake. Official DCU TV shows will begin airing at the end of 2024, but the Real test will be when Superman Coming out in 2025. If these projects don’t get audiences excited and generate a profit, the studio will stop putting money into the brand, and that could spell disaster for the DCU.
Before putting their first official release, the DCU is at a disadvantage, with many casual filmgoers having abandoned all hope for future projects. Despite beloved heroes being prominently featured, such as Superman, who will launch the new era, and Batman, who will appear in the upcoming Batman: The Brave and the BoldThe Trust is exhausted. If Gunn doesn’t get people into theaters with trailers that effectively sell the movies, and then fulfill that promise, it doesn’t matter that he wasn’t responsible for all the movies that came before.
It is possible that the weak received Joker: Folie à Deux was the last straw for some fans who felt enthusiastic about DC-related movies. However, as proven by the Joker 2 Results of the box office, many people have already decided to leave the experience, expecting that it would only be a disappointment, and so the decline between the first and second movie was monumental. With this frosty reception for a DC project that initially generated as much excitement as Joker In 2019, the outlook is not great for Gunn’s upcoming DCU.
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