Lady Gaga has spoken out about the mixed reception of Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the 2019 hit Joker, where she stars as Harley Quinn. Despite the film’s disappointing box office performance and critical reviews, the pop icon has expressed a grounded outlook on its lack of connection with audiences.
In an interview with Elle magazine, Gaga acknowledged the challenges that come with the territory of being an artist, especially when a project doesn’t resonate the way it was intended. “People just sometimes don’t like some things. It’s that simple,” she said. “And I think to be an artist, you have to be willing for people to sometimes not like it. And you keep going even if something didn’t connect in the way that you intended.”
The musical sequel, which introduced a much more fantastical take on the Joker universe compared to its gritty predecessor, caught many comic book fans off guard. This shift in tone, paired with the film’s musical elements, did not sit well with audiences. The film struggled to meet expectations at the box office, grossing only $37 million on its opening weekend. By the end of its run, Joker: Folie à Deux had earned a meager $58.3 million domestically (around £47.2 million), far below the success of the original film, which made over a billion dollars worldwide.
While the film’s underwhelming performance may have been disheartening for many involved, Gaga revealed that letting the fear of failure take over could be detrimental to her creative process. “When that makes its way into your life, that can be hard to get control of. It’s part of the mayhem,” she added.
Despite the setbacks, the musical earned several nominations at this year’s Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Actor for Joaquin Phoenix, and Worst Actress for Gaga herself. However, the singer-turned-actress remains resolute, with a clear understanding that not every project will land as anticipated in the public eye.
As the Joker franchise moves forward, Lady Gaga’s resilience and perspective continue to highlight her commitment to her artistry, regardless of the reception.
