Industry Insiders Weigh in on 'Joker: Folie à Deux' Amid Public Backlash
Warner Bros. executives are pushing back against fan criticism of Todd Phillips' DC Studios sequel, 'Joker: Folie à Deux', with CEO Pamela Abdy and chairperson Michael De Luca expressing admiration for the film's bold approach.
In a recent interview with The Wrap, both Abdy and De Luca dismissed criticisms of the movie as "noise" that ignores its innovative storytelling. De Luca praised Phillips' decision to not repeat himself in the sequel, saying it was a rare move among filmmakers. "It may be too revisionist for a global mainstream audience," De Luca admitted, "but I thought Todd and his screenwriting partner Scott Silver did something unique."
Abdy echoed De Luca's sentiments, stating that she "really liked" the film and still does. However, Joaquin Phoenix' co-star Lady Gaga seems more pragmatic about fan reception, saying that people don't always connect with art. "It's that simple," she told Elle in 2025. "And I think to be an artist, you have to be willing for people to sometimes not like it."
Industry heavy-hitters are taking a different stance on the film's prospects, however. Noted cinephile and game developer Hideo Kojima believes 'Joker: Folie à Deux' will grow in reputation over time, as fans and critics reevaluate its bold vision. Quentin Tarantino went even further, describing Phillips as "the Joker" who is using his directing as a form of subversion to challenge comic book fans and Hollywood executives alike.
While Abdy's comment about loving the film despite fan criticism may be perceived as dismissive, it's clear that there are still many industry insiders who appreciate 'Joker: Folie à Deux' for its daring approach. Whether or not this sentiment will translate into broader critical acclaim remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Phillips has certainly left his mark on the DC Universe.
Warner Bros. executives are pushing back against fan criticism of Todd Phillips' DC Studios sequel, 'Joker: Folie à Deux', with CEO Pamela Abdy and chairperson Michael De Luca expressing admiration for the film's bold approach.
In a recent interview with The Wrap, both Abdy and De Luca dismissed criticisms of the movie as "noise" that ignores its innovative storytelling. De Luca praised Phillips' decision to not repeat himself in the sequel, saying it was a rare move among filmmakers. "It may be too revisionist for a global mainstream audience," De Luca admitted, "but I thought Todd and his screenwriting partner Scott Silver did something unique."
Abdy echoed De Luca's sentiments, stating that she "really liked" the film and still does. However, Joaquin Phoenix' co-star Lady Gaga seems more pragmatic about fan reception, saying that people don't always connect with art. "It's that simple," she told Elle in 2025. "And I think to be an artist, you have to be willing for people to sometimes not like it."
Industry heavy-hitters are taking a different stance on the film's prospects, however. Noted cinephile and game developer Hideo Kojima believes 'Joker: Folie à Deux' will grow in reputation over time, as fans and critics reevaluate its bold vision. Quentin Tarantino went even further, describing Phillips as "the Joker" who is using his directing as a form of subversion to challenge comic book fans and Hollywood executives alike.
While Abdy's comment about loving the film despite fan criticism may be perceived as dismissive, it's clear that there are still many industry insiders who appreciate 'Joker: Folie à Deux' for its daring approach. Whether or not this sentiment will translate into broader critical acclaim remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Phillips has certainly left his mark on the DC Universe.
think about it, there are these people who genuinely love the movie for its boldness and willingness to take risks, but then you got others who are just not feeling it 
. like, what does that say about our culture and how we consume art? is it okay if a film doesn't resonate with everyone? 
it's also wild to see these big names in the industry coming out in support of Phillips' vision, but at the same time, acknowledging that maybe not everyone will get it 
. anyway, i think that's what makes this whole thing so interesting... we're all just trying to make sense of each other's perspectives and find our own place within the bigger picture 
I love Joaquin Phoenix's performance in the first film and if this sequel is as bold and innovative as everyone says it is, then maybe it's time to reevaluate our expectations. And let's be real, Lady Gaga's co-starring turn has got me super hyped! 
But what really gets my goat is when people say that art should only appeal to "mainstream" audiences - isn't the point of making something artistic to push boundaries and challenge people? 
I'm also loving the vibes from Hideo Kojima - his opinion is so valid, he's like a cinephile superhero! 
And omg, Quentin Tarantino calling out those executives... that's some next level subversion right there 
! Anyway, can't wait to see how this film develops over time and what people are going to say about it. Bring on the fandom discussions! 
i mean, some ppl just can't handle a film that tries something new, you know? joaquin phoenix and lady gaga are like the real MVPs for speaking their minds about art being subjective 
and hideo kojima is totally right, this movie will grow on people as they watch it more. tarantino is just adding fuel to the fire lol but for real tho, todd phillips is a genius for subverting expectations like that 
I get that not everyone will like it, but can't we just appreciate the fact that they're taking risks in their craft? 
. And then you've got Hideo Kojima and Quentin Tarantino going out of their way to praise Phillips' subversive style - it's like they're trying to prove a point that this film is going to grow on people as time goes on 
.
.
is like a puzzle, ya know? you gotta have some pieces that don't quite fit with the crowd 
and then someone comes along and says "hey, this is what I'm working with"... like phillips and his bold approach 
. it's not always gonna be easy to connect with everyone, but if you're making something that sparks conversations, then i think that's worth something 
. and then there's kojima-san saying it'll grow on fans over time 
... that makes sense to me too 
.
, i don't know if he's being serious or not 
, but either way, phillips is definitely making a statement with this film 
. the question is, will it be enough to change the game? 
anyway, i think hideo kojima has a point, this film might grow on ppl over time. gotta respect quentin tarantino's bold statement too 
let's not be too quick to judge something we haven't fully seen yet