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This means Warner Brothers is staring at significant losses—potentially losing $200 million or more—marking it as one of the most financially disappointing movies in recent memory. The studio has already pulled the film from theaters, signaling an acknowledgment of its failure.
Critical and Audience Reactions: A Unified Disdain
While the initial Joker sparked debate, it was generally well-received and admired for its bold storytelling and Joaquin Phoenix's gripping performance. Conversely, Joker 2 was universally panned by both critics and audiences alike. The movie's reception was so poor that it became a symbol of cinematic failure, with many lamenting its confusing plot, questionable creative choices, and seeming lack of purpose.