Mon Oct 14 06:00:00 UTC 2024: ## “Joker: Folie à Deux” Stumbles at International Box Office, Falling Short of Expectations

**LONDON -** Despite a strong performance in overseas markets compared to its domestic debut, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is failing to meet box office expectations internationally. The film, a musical sequel to the 2019 hit “Joker,” added only $22.6 million from 77 territories in its second weekend of release, falling significantly short of the estimated $450 million needed to break even.

While the film has grossed $113 million internationally, exceeding its North American performance of $51 million, this total is far below the success of the original “Joker,” which earned a staggering $743 million internationally. The sequel’s production cost of $200 million, coupled with an estimated $100 million in marketing and distribution expenses, makes it a risky venture for Warner Bros.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” debuted in Japan with $2.4 million over the weekend and is set to open in China on October 16. The film’s highest-grossing overseas market to date is the United Kingdom, with $11.8 million in earnings, followed by Germany, Italy, Mexico, and France. Despite the lagging performance, the film has attracted viewers to premium screens, with IMAX contributing $13.5 million to the global ticket sales.

Meanwhile, Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” is soaring internationally, earning $24.1 million from 55 territories over the weekend, surpassing “Joker: Folie à Deux” and claiming the top spot among Hollywood offerings. The well-received family film has amassed $64.7 million overseas and $148 million globally to date, showcasing the studio’s strategic staggered release strategy.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” now faces the challenge of attracting audiences in its remaining major markets, including China, to reach its financial goals. With the film’s success hinging on its future performance, the question remains: can the musical “Joker” sequel overcome its initial box office slump and resonate with audiences globally?

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