Despite all the controversy ahead of its release, Joker has won the domestic box office for the second weekend in a row, exceeding initial entertainment industry projections for the gritty DC Comics adaptation.
Originally estimated to earn around $40 million across its sophomore weekend domestically, the film is currently on pace to earn $58.7 million by the end of Sunday, potentially boosted by the Columbus Day holiday weekend. This places Joker as the highest second-weekend domestic box office total in October of all time, exceeding Gravity's $43.1 million second weekend total in 2013.
Opening this weekend was Paramount's Gemini Man, directed by Ang Lee and starring Will Smith in a dual role. Released to dismal critical reviews, the sci-fi/action movie is on track to earn $20 million domestically its opening weekend. With a reported production budget of $138 million, the film will have to earn approximately $275 million worldwide to recoup its costs after factoring in marketing and distribution expenses.
Also opening this weekend was the CG adaptation of The Addams Family, which is poised to take the second place spot at the domestic box office with $31.5 million. This would give the spooky comedy franchise its highest cinematic opening, exceeding the original 1991 film's $24.2 million domestic opening weekend.
Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Douglas Hodge, Marc Maron, Josh Pais and Shea Whigham. The film is in theaters now.
(via Deadline)