Joker 2 budget is “insane” compared to the first movie

The budget for Joker 2, aka Joker: Folie à Deux, has been revealed, and it’s been described as “insane” in comparison to the first movie. 

Discussions about superhero fatigue are heating up again amid the release of Madame Web, a movie we described as “another nail in the coffin of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.” This is far from a standalone case – 2023 was the MCU’s worst on record, with titles such as Secret Invasion, Ant-Man 3, and The Marvels performing poorly with critics and audiences alike. 

But there is hope on the horizon – Deadpool 3 looks set to be the MCU’s best cinematic release in recent history and Invincible will be making its gory return with Season 2 Part 2. Then there’s the Joker sequel, which sees Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as the Clown Prince of Crime, while Lady Gaga takes on Harley Quinn. 

Todd Phillips’ first movie, released in 2019, is nothing short of a masterpiece, finding acclaim through its compelling character study of Arthur Fleck while exploring darker themes associated with the DC villain. And it did so on a $60 million budget – but the same can’t be said for Joker 2.

Joker 2 budget is “insane” compared to the first movie

According to Variety, the budget for the (kind of) musical Joker 2 is currently at the $200 million mark – making it $140 million more than its predecessor. 

The outlet went on to break down where the cash is being spent, with sources stating that  Phoenix was paid $20 million to reprise his role, while Lady Gaga is earning around $12 million.

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If Joker 2 can match the box office success of the first movie, which drew in more than $1 billion dollars, it will be fine. Nonetheless, fans are surprised by the significant difference in budgets. 

“I think they took that 1 billion dollar gross a little too far. 200 million for a Joker sequel is insane,” wrote one on X, while another said, “Christ. Unless there’s a dragon in it, no movie should cost that much.”

A third added, “140 mil difference is honestly crazy, considering it’d most likely be a drama.” While a fourth chimed in, “$200 MILLION?… I honestly don’t see this movie grossing as much as the last movie, which was a surprise hit. Why triple the budget for a movie that is taking place in Arkham?”

Not everyone is apprehensive about the cost jump, however, including this person who wrote: “The film will deffo do 600mil+ though, they’re good.” Another commented, “Tbf, it doesn’t have to earn as much as the last one… even 750M+ would already be enough.”

Joker 2 hits cinemas on October 4, 2024 – you can find out more about the movie here.