Warner Bros' Joker has become the most profitable comic book movie ever. The Joaquin Phoenix-starring thriller has been shattering the box office left and right. Earlier this week, the film was reportedly on track to achieve $1 billion at the box office.
Joker released over a month ago, and is still making headlines. The film has garnered varied responses, even dividing Oscar voters. One common point of agreement is Phoenix's performance as the title character. Phoenix has been praised by many sources for his performance as Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill man pushed to the side by society. Even Martin Scorsese, who has been a controversial figure as of late for his words on the Marvel movies, appears to have appreciated Joker and Phoenix's work (though it should be noted Scorsese serves as a producer on Joker). Love or hate the film, there's no denying a raw quality to it, and that it resonated with a lot of people. With the film doing well over a month later, Joker is going to have a few last laughs at the box office before its run concludes.
Joker has achieved around $953 million worldwide (via Forbes), making it the most profitable comic book movie of all time. Joker was reportedly made with a budget of $62.5 million, making its profits astounding. To compare, Venom was made on a budget of reportedly $90 million, and would go on to make an impressive $854 million worldwide. Deadpool was made on a smaller budget of reportedly $58 million, and would go on to make $783 million worldwide. Tim Burton's Batman was reportedly made for $35 million, and would go on to make $411 million.
Joker being the most profitable comic book movie is just one milestone of many. The film is also the highest-grossing R-rated movie worldwide, and could be the first R-rated feature to hit $1 billion. Joker's box office achievements are particularly impressive considering it's not expected to open in China.
Joker was envisioned as a standalone feature, but it would certainly be interesting if a follow-up is made. Phoenix even said he's open to returning for the Joker role. With the film on its way to hitting $1 billion, Warner Bros. would surely love to release a sequel. Even if this is it for Phoenix's take on the character, what Joker's success could mean for future comic book films is an exciting thought. If the film leads to more standalone movies with unique takes on iconic characters, fans will be thrilled. In the meantime, headlines on Joker's success will likely continue for a little while longer.
Source: Forbes
