Box Office: ‘Joker 2’ Singing Off-Key With $20 Million Opening Day

“Joker: Folie à Deux” is off to a shaky performance at the domestic box office after earning $20 million from 4,102 locations across Friday and preview screenings. Rivals project that Warner Bros.’ sequel to the 2019 DC Comic book film “Joker” will open south of $50 million.

Heading into the weekend, “Joker 2” was expected to make $50 million to $65 million in its box office debut. Although the film is on track to secure the top spot on domestic charts, the first “Joker” scored a significantly higher $96.2 million in its opening weekend.

More from Variety

• Why Critically Panned 'Joker 2' Could Still Be in the Awards Race for Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix

• Even With Lady Gaga, 'Joker 2' Will Struggle to Match 2019's 'Joker' in Box Office Debut

• Joaquin Phoenix Says 'Joker' Weight Loss Was a 'Bit More Difficult' for Sequel Because of Dance Component: It Was 'Safe' but 'I Probably Shouldn't Do This Again'

“Joker” made an astounding $1.07 billion at the global box office from a tiny $65 million budget; “Folie à Deux,” on the other hand, carries a $200 million price tag and hasn’t received as many positive reviews as its predecessor.

More to come…

Best of Variety

• From Taylor and Travis to Oasis: The Best Couples Costumes to Wear This Halloween

• The Best Pop Culture Halloween Costumes for 2024: From Chappell Roan to Moo Deng

• New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.