Making 'Joker 2' cost over $200 million

Musical numbers, action? Where’s $200 million?

After preliminary calculations, it is clear that ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ had a disappointing first weekend. 37.8 million dollars in US earnings and 77 in international markets (another of this film’s anomalies, since these figures usually go in line), totalling 114.8 million in global earnings, well below the $200 million it cost, not including promotion and marketing.

I see 200 million. One of the most immediate criticisms of the film, beyond its musical genre or tone change from the first film, was its lack of visual luxury for a 200-million-dollar film, which is what a Marvel superhero blockbuster like ‘Endgame‘ usually has in its budget. In ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, that money is absent.

A budget quarter. The first film cost 55 million dollars, so this budget increase is even more striking. It was cheap to make because it didn’t have flashy action sequences with chases or complex stunts like a superhero movie. This sequel repeats the same event, which is unusual.

Explosion. That’s all the action in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, planned and shot economically to avoid emphasising an ingredient that doesn’t define this Warner project. If we ignore the action, why are musical numbers so expensive? Planning is expensive, but the spectacular sets and lack of realistic expectations lower the costs. To clarify: there are ambitious projects like high-budget Broadway musicals, but not ones in Times Square with hundreds of dancers and extras paralysing the street. ‘Wicked’ may have more expensive musical numbers.

Large salaries. There’s also speculation that star salaries caused this budgetary boom. Some, but not enough to justify 200 million: Joaquin Phoenix went from 4.5 million to 20 million, while Todd Phillips likely increased his salary. Lady Gaga reportedly received $12 million. High amounts, but typical for stars in that category.

Crazy genre shift. The Hollywood Reporter may also note that Phillips came from comedy and was given a comedy-worthy budget for the first Joker (possibly due to a star outside of it). The sequel has a budget closer to Joker, a film that nominally belongs to the DC factory of superhero products (although it later challenges that pigeonholing). Phillips can stop worrying about the sequel being a DC film; James Gunn may not care either.

In the 2019 film “Joker,” Joaquin Phoenix played the iconic villain Arthur Fleck/Joker brilliantly. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his chilling performance. Beyond the awards and accolades, moviegoers often wonder how much Phoenix was paid to play this complex character. Buckle up as we analyse his earnings, compare them to industry standards, and examine how this payday affects the film industry.

Phoenix reportedly earned $4.5 million for his role in “Joker.” This sum is large by most standards, but context matters. Phoenix is a well-known actor with many acclaimed roles. Unlike most superhero films, “Joker” was unique. Dark, character-driven drama that boldly changed DC Comics. This project may be riskier, so expect a lower upfront salary.

Industry Standards in Perspective
How does Phoenix’s “Joker” salary compare to Hollywood heavyweights? Blockbuster superhero films often pay leading actors $20 million or more. As Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. reportedly made a lot of money. Remember that established franchises have a guaranteed audience and a track record of success. In contrast, “Joker,” a risk, became the first R-rated film to gross $1 billion.

Beyond Money: Artistic Merit Value
The financial details are interesting, but Phoenix’s performance in “Joker” went beyond a pay cheque. He committed to the role, transforming physically and portraying mental illness and social decay with nuance. The film raised important mental health and social neglect issues. Phoenix’s reward went beyond money, solidifying his status as a powerhouse actor who can choose projects that resonate with audiences. Reading Continue

Making ‘Joker 2’ cost over $200 million

Musical numbers, action? Where’s $200 million?

By ki0nk

Related Post

A youth movement is emerging

Conatus supported the Spanish Nobel Prize.

The end of the world is near… in these books

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You Missed

A youth movement is emerging

Conatus supported the Spanish Nobel Prize.

The end of the world is near… in these books

‘The Office’ has returned