Joker’s opening weekend has outpaced industry predictions. The new DC film is set to earn over $95 million domestically during its opening weekend, according to Deadline. This beats Venom's year-old record ($80.3 million) for biggest October debut ever.
On Friday, estimates for the film’s opening weekend were at $94 million, with Warner Bros. reporting a $39.9 million opening day. Joker is expected to make $265 million domestic by the end of its theatrical run, more than what Venom made last year with $213.5 million.
Deadline reports that one rival distribution source has claimed Joker could see a worldwide opening of $195 to $210 million, which would be right behind Venom’s opening October global record of $207.4 million.
The opening weekend totals is also a new record for director Todd Phillips, surpassing the domestic launch of The Hangover 2 ($85.9 million) in 2011. It’s also an opening record for Joaquin Phoenix, eclipsing the 2002 opening of Signs ($60.1 million), and for Robert De Niro, ahead of 2004's Shark Tale ($47.6 million).
Joker's box offices wins comes despite the security concerns spurred by the graphic nature of the film. On Friday, a Los Angeles-area theater canceled its screenings after police uncovered what was deemed as a "credible" threat. Undercover NYPD officers were also reportedly attending showings to "ensure safety for ticket buyers in their seats."
