New Joker Movie Gains Chinese Release Date

 Joker: Folie à Deux has managed to net itself a Chinese release date, which is still notably difficult for many newer Hollywood properties to leverage in the post-pandemic entertainment environment. This new development is, perhaps, most notable because the original Joker movie itself was never launched on Chinese shores. Brandon Blake, entertainment attorney at Blake & Wang P.A., has the full details for us.

                                                                        Brandon Blake

October Release

The movie will open in Chinese cinemas on October 16, two weeks after its widespread release date, shortly after the so-called Golden Week for that market. The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, made its global debut at the Venice Film Festival, earning a 12-minute standing ovation. It's slated for an international rollout starting October 2, with a US release on October 4.

What is particularly surprising about the announcement is that the film has an R-rating, which made it dubious that it would pass Chinese censorship. However, it is notably less violent, at least overtly, than its predecessor, which may have influenced the decision.

The Chinese market, unlike the domestic one, was notably lackluster over the summer, which may have also influenced the decision.

An Interesting Potential Success

The original Joker was a massive success, grossing $1.079B globally, even without a China release. It set records for R-rated films until it was recently surpassed by Deadpool and Wolverine. Domestic US tracking currently predicts a $70M+ opening for Joker: Folie à Deux. With a little luck and marketing traction, we could even see that cross the coveted $100M milestone the box office has been chasing throughout the summer season.

 

As audiences worldwide anticipate this unconventional sequel, it remains to be seen whether it can match or surpass the extraordinary success of its predecessor. If it continues to resonate with audiences the same way it has on the current festival circuit, it may even breathe some fresh life into the flagging superhero genre, as Deadpool & Wolverine managed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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