While it’s an exciting time forDCfans withSupermanushering inJames Gunn’s new shared universe this summer, moviegoers are still trying to wash the taste of the brand’s last couple of projects out of their mouths.Joker: Folie á Deuxended a rocky era for DC last fall; a decade’s worth of films that included such flops asThe Flashand critically-mixed films likeBlack Adam. Despite the firstJokerfilm directed byTodd Phillipsbeing the rare $1 billion project in that timeframe,Folie á Deuxwasn’t so lucky. It was one of Warner Brothers' biggest financial bombs in recent history. We’ll most likely never seeJoaquin Phoenix’s Joker again as a result, butMcFarlane Toysis letting this version of the Clown Prince of Crime sing on with a new grin-inducing statue.
McFarlane’s latest 1:6th scale DC Direct resin statue is based onPhoenix’s JokerfromFolie á Deux. While not very visually distinct compared to how his DC villain looked in the first film, his signature magenta suit jacket, mustard yellow vest, and green dress shirt give this piece a burst of color.Joker is even holding a microphone and has a stool beside him. He’s ready to sing his heart out – whether we like it or not. This is the second product McFarlane has released for this hard-R-rated film duology. Late last year, the popular toy company unveiled their DC Multiverse playset two-pack of Joker and Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro) based on the infamous talk show scene from the first film. Given thatLady Gaga’s Harley Quinnwas introduced in the sequel, here’s hoping this new Joker statue won’t be singing alone for long.
What Is ‘Joker: Folie á Deux’ About?
After the events of the first film,Arthur Fleck, aka Joker, is locked up inArkham State Hospitaland still living a pretty depressing existence as he awaits his trial. The guards make fun of Fleck, twisting jokes out of him, and the press are trying to dissect his brain in interviews since his Joker persona has started more unrest in Gotham City.One of his biggest fans is Lee (Gaga), who he meets in Arkham and falls in love with. They live out their best jukebox musical fantasy together, but that might be short-lived as Arthur’s trial continues to divide the city. Even though the firstJokerturned off some critics, it managed to get a mostly positive 68% onRotten Tomatoes, which helped the film reach the $1 billion milestone.
That being said,Folie á Deuxwas at a disadvantage because of time. The original film came out in 2019. In the time since, a pandemic happened, causing moviegoers’ tastes to change, and theDC brandhas been tarnished with films likeThe Flash,Black AdamandShazam! Fury of the Gods. The choice of makingFolie á Deuxa musical didn’t help the sequel’s case either. Yet, regardless of how good or bad the film may be,Folie á Deuxwas a massive failure both critically and financially. It currently holds a 31%criticand audience rating onRotten Tomatoes. That response led tothis musical misadventureonly making $207 million worldwideon a reported $200 million budget.
Where Can You Stream ‘Joker: Folie á Deux’?
Joker: Folie á Deuxis currentlystreaming on MaxalongsideJokerand many of DC’s backlog. The film is also available to buy on DVD, Blu-ray and4K. Before your next trip to Gotham, you can pre-order McFarlane Toys' newFolie á Deuxstatue on theirwebsite.
Joker: Folie a Deux
