This past weekend marked a significant moment for “Joker: Folie à Deux” as it debuted in its final major market—China. However, the highly anticipated sequel found itself trailing behind the re-release of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in the box office rankings.
Box Office Showdown
The re-released “Harry Potter” film managed to pull in an impressive $4.6 million, while “Joker 2” raked in $5.9 million across 11,204 screens over a five-day period. Interestingly, the original “Joker” film, which grossed a phenomenal $743 million internationally, did not see a release in China back in 2019. Warner Bros., which handles both franchises, confirmed the box office results but did not provide specific three-day figures for “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
International Earnings
At the international box office, “Folie à Deux” added $14.7 million from 78 markets, pushing its overseas total to $135.5 million. In North America, the film has grossed $56.4 million, bringing its overall earnings to $192 million so far. However, with a production budget of $200 million, the film is projected to face losses of at least $150 million to $200 million during its theatrical run.
The Return of Harry Potter
The excitement doesn’t end with “Joker.” All eight films in the beloved “Harry Potter” series are making a comeback in Chinese theaters, starting with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which debuted on October 11. The first film earned $6.6 million, ranking second on China’s box office charts, right behind the local war drama “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death.” To date, it has generated $10 million.
This marks the first time the entire Harry Potter franchise is being showcased on such a grand scale in China, a market that has evolved significantly since the films were originally produced between 2001 and 2011.
Other Box Office Highlights
In other international box office news, Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” continues to dominate among Hollywood releases, securing the top spot with $23.1 million from 76 territories over the weekend. The film has received positive reviews and has grossed $94.3 million internationally, bringing its global total to $196 million. The studio’s staggered international release strategy has allowed it to enter 21 new markets recently, including the UK and Ireland.
As “Joker: Folie à Deux” navigates its theatrical journey, the return of “Harry Potter” to Chinese cinemas promises to ignite nostalgia and draw in audiences eager to relive the magic.
