Joaquin Phoenix’s “Joker” has become a certified box office sensation, earning $744 million in worldwide ticket sales after less than a month in theaters. Making that haul all the sweeter, Warner Bros., the studio behind the R-rated origin story about Batman’s nemesis, spent $62.5 million to finance the film, a fraction of what most comic-book adaptations cost.
That conservative budget, a figure that doesn’t include global marketing or distribution fees that sources estimate were north of $100 million, puts “Joker” on track to become one of the most profitable superhero movies in history.
“‘Joker’ is definitely having the last laugh,” said Jeff Bock, a senior media analyst with Exhibitor Relations. “You can’t buy a comic-book adaptation for that price, yet Warner Bros. pulled it off with good old-fashioned story telling.”
Given its dark themes and far more disturbing content than standard comic-book fare, Warner Bros.’ intentionally kept expenses low.
That conservative budget, a figure that doesn’t include global marketing or distribution fees that sources estimate were north of $100 million, puts “Joker” on track to become one of the most profitable superhero movies in history.
“‘Joker’ is definitely having the last laugh,” said Jeff Bock, a senior media analyst with Exhibitor Relations. “You can’t buy a comic-book adaptation for that price, yet Warner Bros. pulled it off with good old-fashioned story telling.”
Given its dark themes and far more disturbing content than standard comic-book fare, Warner Bros.’ intentionally kept expenses low.
- 10/23/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
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