Joker 2: Hideo Kojima Reacts to Sequel With a Big Prediction

Joker 2: Hideo Kojima Reacts to Sequel With a Big Prediction

As a seasoned movie critic who has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous cinematic masterpieces, I find myself intrigued by Hideo Kojima‘s assertion about the potential reevaluation of “Joker: Folie á Deux.” My life experience has taught me that even the most polarizing films can eventually find their footing, as evidenced by the enduring legacy of Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” and the Star Wars prequels.


Renowned video game creator Hideo Kojima recently expressed his thoughts on the film “Joker: Folie á Deux,” suggesting that its controversial standing will improve in the coming years. On Twitter, Kojima discussed his experience watching the movie, highlighting its examination of Arthur Fleck’s and the Joker’s dual personas. Acknowledging the current split opinion on the film, he speculated that people might view it more favorably once some time has elapsed.

Recently, numerous movies focusing on villains have been produced. Could villains also be considered superheroes? Is this idea too daring for the big screen, even in a DC movie? It seems the audience’s response was divided between the Joker and Arthur. As time passes, and more hero films are released, this film’s perception might evolve. Eventually, it may achieve the status of a ‘shared madness,’ or ‘folie á deux.’ Kojima also mentioned that attendees at his screening appreciated the performances of Joaquin Phoenix, playing Arthur, and Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn in the movie. You can read his full reaction here.

In October, “Joker: Folie à Deux” will hit cinemas, serving as the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “Joker” that raked in over $1 billion globally and garnered multiple awards – including a Best Picture nomination and a Best Actor win for Phoenix at the Oscars. Warner Bros. is hoping to build on this success by bringing back Phoenix and director Todd Phillips for a follow-up. Lady Gaga’s casting adds some additional star power, and the studio was enthusiastic about “Folie à Deux” ahead of its release. Similar to the strategy used in the first film, “Folie à Deux” was shown at the Venice Film Festival where “Joker” won the Golden Lion award. However, instead of generating Oscar buzz, “Folie à Deus” received mixed reviews, which could potentially signal trouble for its success.

[Related: Joker 2 Changes Harley Quinn’s Origin Story (& Makes it Worse)]

After hitting the big screen, things took a turn for the worse with “Folie à Deux”. Critics and moviegoers alike lambasted it, leading to a dismal performance at the box office. As I write this, its global earnings stand at just $204.7 million, while its production budget ranged from $190-200 million – a clear indication of its commercial flop status. Contrasting with the first “Joker”, which was divisive but had its share of dedicated fans, “Folie à Deux” received nearly unanimous criticism. Fans were particularly disappointed by Phillips’ decision to turn the sequel into a musical and found the portrayal of Harley less than satisfying.

Kojima, who’s known for creating controversial projects like Death Stranding, might not be too far off with his prediction for Joker: Folie à Deux. There are numerous films that didn’t make a splash during their initial release but went on to gain popularity later. For example, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, now considered one of the best and most influential sci-fi movies ever made, received little box office success and mixed reviews in 1982. Even the Star Wars prequels, which were criticized by many fans initially, have since undergone reevaluation years after their premiere. It’s possible that Joker 2 could follow suit, potentially finding its audience as it becomes available on home media.

It’s yet to be determined if Joker: Folie á Deux will eventually gain acclaim, as audiences have largely dismissed it so far. Unlike Blade Runner, which wasn’t instantly recognized as the classic it is today when it first premiered, it did manage to gather some initial supporters, which helped it build a fanbase. In time, moviegoers may forget about Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker and embrace new interpretations, such as those in The Batman (where Barry Keoghan played a role that could be reprised in a sequel) or James Gunn’s DC Universe franchise.

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2024-11-09 22:09