Box Office Flop: "Joker" Sequel's Sudden Decline

"Joker: Folie à Deux," starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, has experienced a significant decline at the box office, falling from a $40 million debut to just $7.1 million. The film was overtaken by indie horror "Terrifier 3" and animated feature "The Wild Robot," landing in the third position domestically. Critics have had mixed reactions to the sequel, describing it as both "bleak and daring" and "depressingly dull." Meanwhile, "The Apprentice," a biopic on Donald Trump, struggled with a $1.6 million opening, amid controversy and statements of disapproval from the former president. The film presents a dramatized version of Trump's early career, which he claims is politically motivated fiction.

Despite its strong opening, "Joker: Folie à Deux," the anticipated sequel featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, suffered an unprecedented 80% drop in its North American box office takings, plummeting from the chart's summit. In its second weekend, the film grossed a mere $7.1 million, a stark contrast to its debut. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this marks the most significant drop for a comic-book movie. Indie horror "Terrifier 3" debuted at number one with $18.2 million, while "The Wild Robot," an animated movie, secured second position with earnings of $13.4 million. Landing fourth was "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," which brought in $7 million. Critics have been divided over "Joker: Folie à Deux." Some label the film as "bleak and daring," while others criticize it as "depressingly dull." In the top five was "Piece by Piece," notable for its Lego animation and an impressive voice cast, securing its place with $6.5 million. In related news, "The Apprentice," a film centered on Donald Trump's early career, opened at a dismal tenth position with $1.6 million, amidst controversy over its portrayal of the former president, who slammed it as "fiction." Critics were divided on its depiction, with the film premiering in the UK at the London Film Festival following its Cannes debut. The film includes a disclaimer acknowledging fictionalized events, but Trump's team has condemned it as an electoral distraction.