AceShowbiz - Despite much anticipation, the sequel to the Oscar-winning "Joker" film, "Joker: Folie a Deux," has underperformed at the box office, grossing only an estimated $40 million during its opening weekend compared to the original's $96 million.

Amidst the film's underwhelming debut, director Todd Phillips has revealed why a same-sex kiss between Lady Gaga's character, Lee Quinzel, and an unnamed woman was scrapped from the final cut.

According to Phillips, the scene was originally filmed during a musical number as Lee made her way to a courtroom, where Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) was facing charges. Gaga improvised the kiss, but Phillips ultimately decided to remove it.

"It had dialogue in it, and, all of a sudden, I wanted it to be more of a music and vibe moment," Phillips explained. "For that moment to have played, it needed dialogue behind it. Meaning, the woman said something, and then Gaga stopped and did this thing, and it just kind of got in the way of the moment."

Phillips' decision has sparked some controversy, with many fans expressing disappointment over the cut scene, which was originally teased in paparazzi photos from the set.

In other developments, "Joker: Folie à Deux" has been dubbed a "bomb" by The Hollywood Reporter, receiving a D CinemaScore from audiences while failing to meet expectations despite a production budget of $190 million - three times that of the original.

Despite the film's challenges, Phillips has praised Gaga's commitment to the project, noting that she signed on without reading a completed script. Gaga has described the film as a daring and complex venture that "takes a big swing," featuring music, dance, drama, comedy, and elements of a courtroom thriller.