Fans demand refund from Joker director after 'funniest excuse' for box office failure

Fans have demanded the director of the Joker sequel refund their money after making what they claim is the 'funniest excuse' for the film's disappointing box office earnings.

While the original 2019 release earned a whopping $1 billion, the follow up, also helmed by Todd Phillips, has failed to take in anywhere near that amount.

The musical sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix and currently stands at $201.6 million worldwide, which is just a little over the production's estimated budget.

Now, the director has spoken out about how to rescue the cinema going experience. Also known for directing the comedy film The Hangover, Phillips told Empire magazine his idea would be to scrap the adverts that play before every screening.

This, he believes, would help the industry during a time where many audience members prefer to just stream their films at home.

He said: "Stop showing commercials before the movies. We’ve paid for our tickets. We’re excited to be there. The commercials tend to take the air out of the room.”

However, many fans were quick to dismiss Phillips, with some labelling it as an excuse for Joker's financial failure.

One posted on social media: "This is the funniest excuse for a film mega-flopping I’ve ever heard." Another agreed saying: "I honestly don't mind them, the director should stop making excuses, the movie totally sucked!".

One fan who was left disappointed by the latest film based on the iconic Batman villain went so far as to demand their money back: "He should refund my money for seeing that Joker movie.. That movie damaged the Joker brand."

Several other film fans who responded to Phillips's idea voiced their support for an industry which is struggling to support itself.

While the volume of commercials may be annoying for some, they pointed out that it's necessary to keep the lights on and popcorn flowing. Taking to X, formerly , one person posted: "The ads annoy me, but I assume that’s how cinema chains make money through people paying for that ad space."

Another said: "If there were no commercials we'd have to pay more for our tickets. Duh. Is he aware that demand for movies in theatres is collapsing? At all? Duh? And collapsing in part because of sucky movies like his."

There were some who were in support of the idea though, with a few UK fans claiming they often have to sit through 20 minutes of adverts before the trailers begin.

"Here in the UK you get 15-20 minutes of ads. Then when they start the trailers, they now show ads disguised as trailers. So ridiculous."

A fan reacting to the story suggested their own idea saying: "Cinemas should set aside a couple ad free showings which come at a higher ticket price."

Empire magazine asked several other directors about their opinion on the future of cinema and the impact of streaming. This included Bridesmaids director Paul Feig and maker of cult hit The Guest who both said that streaming can be a blessing and a curse.

Joker: Folie a Deux is in cinemas now