But five years later, the failure of sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux” this past weekend doesn’t tell us anything about the new overseers at WB unit DC Studios, nor does the strength of another of its superhero properties, TV series “The Penguin” on Max.

Joker: Folie Deux's first few days in theaters were worse than a notable Sony Spider-Man Universe flop and an infamous MCU film.

On Sept. 30, Lady Gaga blew kisses to fans outside the TCL Chinese Theatre ahead of the premiere of "Joker: Folie à Deux," while Joaquin Phoenix dropped his typical solemn facade and flashed a few smiles from the red carpet.

The ending of the film (spoilers ahead) is one of the most universally disliked aspects of Joker: Folie a Deux, a miserable end for Arthur Fleck and the alleged birth

Joker: Folie à Deux takes Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck in a surprising, musical direction before culminating in a deeply bleak ending. Back in Arkham following his trial, Arthur is told he has a visitor by a prison guard.

Another thing about Joker 2 that both journalists and moviegoers have pointed out: the idea that the film – particularly its shocking ending and implications of who the real Joker is – is a direct rebuke of the fans who embraced the first film and made it a $1 billion hit.

He plays the bizarrely goofy titular character, Arthur Fleck, who is a complicated man that showcases a wide range of emotions. After all, he is known for an iconic laugh that comes about as a compulsion during moments that are anything but funny.

Joker: Folie à Deux director Todd Phillips has broken down the reasoning behind the most controversial storytelling beats in his sequel.