James Gunn recalls that DC Studios did not participate in Joker: Folie à Deux, a thorny Warner Bros. project.
Since its premiere, “Joker: Folie à Deux” has caused a whirlwind of divided opinion, emerging as one of Warner Bros.’ possible great failures. In this turbulent context, James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, took pains to clarify that neither he nor Peter Safran have a relationship with this project. The film, considered the worst comic book movie according to CinemaScore, seems to have failed to meet the expectations of both critics and fans.
A premiere with more shadows than lights
Despite initially receiving positive reviews at the Venice Film Festival, recent reviews have been less favorable, criticizing both the film’s narrative and musical elements. This is a hard blow for Warner Bros. Discovery, especially after a problematic 2023 and on the threshold of a crucial 2025, which promises to reboot the DC universe with a new Superman in July.
Unsurprisingly, Gunn was quick to distance himself from the sequel’s critical and commercial failure on social media. During a pre-premiere Q&A, both director Todd Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver expressed similar sentiments. Silver noted that the project began before Gunn and Safran were even considered for their current roles, while Phillips insisted that “Joker: Folie à Deux” should not be seen as part of the DC core, even if the logo appears.
A misunderstood cultural phenomenon
The figure of Jokermasterfully played by Joaquin Phoenix in the previous chapter, he has always been one of the most complex and analyzed characters in the DC Comics universe. Its origins, rooted in chaos and anarchy, make each film adaptation a reflection of the fears and challenges of society at the time. “Joker: Folie à Deux” attempted to navigate these turbulent waters by adding a musical component, a decision that polarized fans and critics alike.
In contrast, other comic book characters who have embraced darkness, such as Christian Bale’s Batman or the more recent Venom, have achieved a balance that has made them box office favorites. The key difference may be in the execution and context of their stories. While these characters have found a way to connect with audiences without losing their essence, the Joker by Phillips seems to have strayed too far from what originally made it compelling. This attempt to innovate, without a clear understanding of the heart of the character, may be what led “Folie à Deux” to not resonate with its audience.
Furthermore, the choice to incorporate Lady Gaga as a co-star it could have been seen as an attempt to appeal to a wider audience, but it left many wondering whether his presence benefited or detracted from the essence of the film. Joker. Gaga, known for her dramatic transformations and acting chops, appears to have been underutilized this time in a role that required Phoenix-like depth. This imbalance in character dynamics reflects a larger challenge in “Folie à Deux”: maintaining the psychological depth of Joker while a new element as dominant as the musical is introduced.
Consequences for the future of DC
This distancing could benefit DC Studios in the long run, especially considering that its first project under new management, “The Penguin,” received a 94% critical acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes. In our review of “Joker: Folie à Deux”, we conclude that, despite the brilliant performances of Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix, the film is a useless sequel that neither provides new ideas nor manages to work as a film or a musical, representing a waste of 200 million dollars.