Henry Cavill has shared his thoughts on Joker 2 after the film received an unexpected seven nominations at this year’s Golden Raspberry Awards, also known as the Razzies. The nominations include categories such as Worst Film, Worst Director, Worst Actor and Actress, Worst Screenplay, and more, marking a surprising turn of events for a movie that was highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.

Cavill, known for his roles in blockbuster franchises such as Superman and The Witcher, expressed his perspective during a recent interview when asked about the backlash surrounding Joker 2. He admitted that while the film might not have met everyone’s expectations, it is important to recognize the challenges that come with producing a sequel to such a widely celebrated original. According to him, “Sequels always carry an immense weight of expectations, and sometimes, that pressure can lead to creative decisions that don’t resonate with audiences the same way the first film did.”

The Joker franchise, which initially earned critical acclaim for its dark and psychological portrayal of Arthur Fleck, saw its first installment win multiple prestigious awards, including Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar for Best Actor. However, the sequel’s nominations for Worst Actor and Worst Actress for Phoenix and Lady Gaga, respectively, came as a shock to many, including Cavill. He defended the actors’ performances, stating, “Joaquin and Lady Gaga are incredibly talented individuals. Taking on such iconic characters comes with a lot of scrutiny, and sometimes people are too quick to judge.”

Cavill also addressed the Razzie nomination for Worst Director, a category that placed Todd Phillips, the mastermind behind the gritty tone of the first Joker, under harsh criticism. “Todd is a visionary, and I respect the risks he took with the sequel. He wanted to explore a different side of Arthur Fleck’s story, and sometimes risks don’t always translate the way you hope,” Cavill explained. He noted that Phillips’ decision to incorporate musical elements and a unique visual style might have polarized audiences who were expecting a continuation of the raw, psychological tension seen in the first film.

Despite the critical backlash, Cavill pointed out that Joker 2 should still be appreciated for its ambition and artistic effort. “It’s easy to criticize a film after the fact, but I think we should also acknowledge the effort and creativity that went into making it. Hollywood thrives on experimentation, and not every experiment can be a home run.”

In response to the Razzie nomination for Worst Screenplay, Cavill expressed his belief that storytelling should always be subjective. “Scripts are personal. What works for some people might not work for others. It’s all about perspective, and while the screenplay might not have resonated with everyone, it still had its moments of brilliance,” he said.

Fans of the franchise have taken to social media to express mixed feelings about the film and its nominations. Some argue that the criticism is justified, pointing out the film’s pacing issues and inconsistent tone, while others believe Joker 2 is being unfairly targeted due to the high expectations set by its predecessor. Cavill weighed in on this debate, encouraging fans to look beyond the negative press and appreciate the film for what it attempted to achieve. “Every film has its audience, and I believe there are elements in Joker 2 that fans can still appreciate,” he remarked.

When asked whether he believes the nominations will affect the future of the Joker franchise, Cavill remained optimistic. “Hollywood is always evolving. A film’s success or failure doesn’t necessarily dictate what comes next. If there’s still a compelling story to tell, I’m sure we’ll see more of the Joker universe in the future.”

As the Razzie Awards ceremony approaches, the controversy surrounding Joker 2 continues to fuel discussions within the entertainment industry. Whether the film ultimately takes home the unwanted accolades or not, it’s clear that it has left a lasting impact, for better or worse. Henry Cavill’s perspective serves as a reminder that filmmaking is an art form subject to interpretation, and that even films that face criticism have their own unique place in cinematic history.