'Joker' Sequel Finally Hits Streaming Next Week, If You're Interested (2025)

Despite following up on the record-breaking original film, Joker: Folie à Deux failed to recapture the magic that enthralled audiences the first time around. From its musical elements to the unsavory ending that some fans despise, Joker 2 was a pressure cooker of a project that subverted everyone's expectations, for better or worse. The DC sequel starred Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in one of the more star-studded affairs of 2024 that will now find a new home on streaming later this month.

Warner Bros. announced that Joker: Folie à Deux will be streaming exclusively on Max starting Friday, December 13. Then it will air on HBO on Saturday night, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. EST. The news arrives after the film grossed $200 million worldwide, well shy of the $1 billion the first Joker amassed in 2019. The disappointing box office news has cemented it as one of the most shocking flops in recent memory, especially for a studio that was banking on a major hit. As another sequel seems increasingly unlikely, partly due to the film's controversial ending, Warner Bros. has moved on to James Gunn's DCU, which debuted this week with Creature Commandos on Max.

In addition to Phoenix and Gaga, Joker: Folie à Deux features Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey, Leigh Gill, Jacob Lofland, Sharon Washington, Troy Fromin, Bill Smitrovich, John Lacy, and Ken Leung. Director Todd Phillips, who was nominated for Best Director at the 2020 Academy Awards for Joker, returned to direct and write the sequel. Check out the official synopsis:

"JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him."

Why 'Joker 2' Could Age Well on Streaming (Or Not)

Despite being poorly received by critics and general audiences alike (Joker: Folie à Deux has an extremely rare 32% rating on both Rotten Tomatoes meters), streaming is well known for reviving films. Joker 2 is a purposefully subversive film that seeks to undermine its predecessor in a socially relevant manner. The result was controversial, to say the least, but one can’t say the filmmakers did not attempt to swing for the fences. Even if it means the movie gets more negative reactions, perhaps home viewings will sway some to reevaluate the film for its own merits, away from predetermined expectations.

For all its faults, the Joker sequel is a well-crafted film that oozes style and commitment to the production quality of the original. From the stacked cast to the beautiful visuals, Joker: Folie à Deux does not play it safe in any regard. It’s quite clear the film is meant to make those who loved or hated the franchise uncomfortable with where the story concluded. And for that reason, among many others, Joker: Folie à Deux probably won't be a fan-favorite anytime soon, but there is a chance some will give it another shot. Todd Phillips himself addressed how the film was never meant to be a direct criticism of "toxic fandom" but a reexamination of what it means to be Joker for Arthur Fleck.

"[It] was never about addressing toxic fandom, but it was about addressing this idea of what happens if this thing gets put upon you, like we were saying, just five minutes ago, but it's not actually what you are. And then, what happens in the worst case scenario, if you finally find love in your life or you think you do, but that person is in love with the character that you represent, not the person that you are."

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

3.5/5

Joker: Folie a Deux

R

Drama

Crime

Musical

Joker: Folie à Deux is the sequel to Todd Phillips' critically acclaimed comic book thriller Joker. Reprising his Academy Award-winning performance as the failed comedian Arthur Fleck, Joaquin Phoenix revisits the iconic DC character alongside Lady Gaga, who makes her debut as Joker's lover Harley Quinn in this standalone continuity of the DC Universe.

Release Date

October 4, 2024

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix , Lady Gaga , Brendan Gleeson , Catherine Keener , Zazie Beetz , Steve Coogan , Harry Lawtey , Leigh Gill , Jacob Lofland , Sharon Washington , Troy Fromin , Bill Smitrovich , John Lacy , Ken Leung

Runtime

138 Minutes