Lip reader reveals Joaquin Phoenix called 'Joker 2' 'horrible' in viral video amid box office debacle

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Following the release of 'Joker: Folie a Deux' in October 2024, the film has received criticism and disappointment. 

Adding fuel to the fire, a viral lip-reading of a conversation between Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix from the Venice Film Festival has caught the attention of fans. 

The video, claiming to accurately depict their exchange after the film's premiere on September 4, shows Phoenix appearing frustrated and disillusioned with the production. Since its upload on October 7, the clip has amassed over 5 million views on X, leaving fans feeling sympathetic toward the lead actor.

Did Joaquin Phoenix tell Lady Gaga he hated ‘Joker 2’?

According to subtitles shared by BroBible, Joaquin Phoenix expressed disappointment and frustration with the production, allegedly telling Lady Gaga, “It’s horrible!” When she attempted to reassure him, he firmly replied, “I do think so.” Gaga, confused, asked, “What? What are you talking about?” 

Although Phoenix’s lips weren’t visible, Gaga’s seemed to align with the video’s interpretation. The conversation escalated into a brief argument, with Phoenix suggesting the ending “could’ve been different,” a notion Gaga dismissed, stating she loved it. “Oh you did? Yikes,” Phoenix retorted, wearing an annoyed expression as he turned to greet other audience members. 

The post’s author sympathized with both actors, highlighting Gaga's comforting gestures toward Phoenix while suggesting possible behind-the-scenes tensions with director Todd Phillips and Warner Brothers. Reactions to the clip were divided; some questioned Phoenix's words, while others noted the conflicting body language.

Todd Phillips' 'Joker: Folie a Deux' struggled at the box office after its release on October 4. It opened with only $37.8 million in the US, falling short of the $50 million expected. This estimate was already low compared to the first 'Joker,' which had a record-breaking opening of $96.2 million in 2019. 

The film also received poor reviews, with a score of 33% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 31% from audiences. In contrast, the first film scored 68% with critics and 89% with audiences. While some reviewers praised the sequel's originality, many called it “unnecessary and pointless.” Viewers felt it undermined the first film’s success and represented a regression for Arthur Fleck, Joaquin Phoenix’s character.

Internet reacts to conversation between Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga

After the awkward conversation between Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga at the film's premiere went viral earlier this month, a lip reader shared a video suggesting that Phoenix expressed his hatred for the movie. The clip gained significant attention on X (formerly known as Twitter).

One user shared, "Even if he thinks so he should have kept his thoughts for himself at least during the clapping after the movie..it’s obvious she have to say it’s not(maybe she actually thinks it or maybe not) because if someone sees her say the same she would be labelled as “ungrateful” for sure."

A second user claimed, "Oh poor gaga😭 my girl is just trying to be nice."

A third user commented, "This movie does, in fact, look horrible. But Joaquin is one of the greatest." 

One suggested with another perspective, "He might have been referring to standing ovations as well. When it comes to praise, he is typically uncomfortable. Watch any of his prize speeches, for example."

One quipped, "It's also possible that he was talking about standing ovations. He's usually awkward when it comes to praise. Just watch any of his award speeches."

One person said, "If he doesn't like it then there's no point watching it 😭 (still going to watch for mother monster)."

Another added, "He could be talking about the attention or the place they're going to dinner."

Another user tweeted, "He absolutely said, "It's horrible." And people around him laughed. Yep. It's THAT bad. 😂😂😂"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.