'Joker' Sequel Trails Predecessor in $40 Million Domestic Debut.

Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.'s sequel to the 2019 hit film "Joker" titled "Joker: Folie à Deux" had a domestic debut of $40 million in ticket sales in the US and Canada, which is significantly lower than the previous installment. The film received mixed reviews from critics after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, leading to lowered box office estimates. The first "Joker" film was a dark take on the superhero origin story and grossed over $1 billion globally, but it seems unlikely that the sequel will achieve the same level of success. The new film introduces Lady Gaga as the Joker's love interest and focuses on the villain's trial and time in the Arkham Asylum. It received a 33% approval rating from critics on RottenTomatoes.com. The director, Todd Phillips, will no longer be involved with the DC character, and the sequel is separate from the long-term plan of interweaving superhero films and television series implemented by DC Studios. [Extracted from the article]