In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hollywood found itself grappling with a myriad of challenges, from shifting audience tastes to the logistical hurdles of theatrical releases. Among the films that struggled to find their footing during this tumultuous period are some of the most anticipated projects, leaving behind a trail of financial disappointments and missed opportunities. This article delves into the stories behind 15 such films, exploring the unique circumstances that led to their flops and the broader implications for the film industry.
One notable example is West Side Story (2021), a movie musical that, despite critical acclaim and the star power of Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose, failed to resonate with audiences. Released during a time when moviegoing was still recovering from the pandemic, the film struggled to attract younger audiences drawn to blockbusters like Dune and Spider-Man: No Way Home. The movie's box office performance fell short of expectations, grossing only $76 million against a budget of $100 million.
Another film, In the Heights, faced a different set of challenges. Despite its vibrant score and timely story, the movie bombed hard, making over $45 million worldwide. The issue was not merely pandemic anxiety, but rather Warner Bros.' controversial decision to release its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max, which undercut the film's theatrical potential. This strategy, which also affected films like A Quiet Place: Part II and F9, discouraged audiences from returning to cinemas, leaving In the Heights to twist in the wind.
The Last Duel (2021), a period action drama from Ridley Scott, also fell short of expectations. Released on the same day as Universal's Halloween Kills, the film cost five times as much to make as it grossed, with Scott blaming the flop on the 'millennial' audience. However, the real issue was the lack of interest in adult dramas, a trend that also affected West Side Story.
Nightmare Alley (2021), a neo-noir thriller from Guillermo del Toro, earned critical acclaim but became the director's toughest financial failure. Released a week after West Side Story, the film fell victim to the same pitfalls, and the surge in COVID cases due to the Omicron variant further dampened audiences' willingness to venture out to theaters.
News of the World (2020), a Western starring Tom Hanks, attempted a full theatrical release during the winter of 2020, hoping to capitalize on Christmas Day audiences. However, the movie made only $12 million, highlighting the challenges of releasing films during a pandemic when audiences were more inclined to stay indoors.
Last Night in Soho (2021), an Edgar Wright film, also struggled to find its audience. Despite its distinct style and critical acclaim, the movie grossed only about $23 million against a budget of $43 million. The marketing for the film felt nothing like an Edgar Wright film, possibly turning audiences away.
Spencer (2021), a biopic about Princess Diana, faced competition from other awards-season contenders and had a relatively modest budget, grossing $25 million. However, the film's release in early November 2021, during a crowded awards season, likely contributed to its underperformance.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021), a Shakespeare adaptation from Joel Coen, struggled due to last-minute streaming acquisitions and pivots. A24 co-produced the film with Apple TV, who chose to prioritize subscribers with a limited theatrical release, which was essentially only granted to qualify for awards consideration. It reportedly grossed just over $500,000.
The Card Counter (2021), a subtle and character-focused film from Paul Schrader, also faced a low commercial ceiling. Released during the sleepy September of 2021, the film grossed only $5 million against an unknown budget, highlighting the challenges of releasing films during a less-than-ideal time.
First Cow (2020), an indie film from Kelly Reichardt, was one of the first to be blindsided by COVID. Released on March 6, 2020, the film quickly changed course once it was clear audiences wouldn't be able to return to theaters, ultimately grossing only $1.3 million against a budget of $2 million.
Saint Maud (2020), an indie horror film from Rose Glass, received critical acclaim but struggled due to COVID. Released over a year after its festival premiere, the film grossed $1.6 million against a budget of $2.5 million, with Glass going on to direct the modest 2024 feature Love Lies Bleeding.
Pig (2021), a French film from Céline Sciamma, also faced challenges. Released domestically in the spring of 2021, it struggled to register with audiences who may have overlooked it in favor of other releases. It grossed only $2 million on an arthouse budget/distribution circuit.
Wolfwalkers (2021), an animated film from Cartoon Saloon, faced competition from countless other animated films dumped onto streaming after the success of Trolls World Tour. It was only able to gross $1.3 million, despite its lavish animation and distinct visual style.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020), a critically acclaimed drama from Eliza Hittman, landed in theaters on March 13, 2020, arguably the worst release date in the history of American cinema. Theaters shut down almost immediately, forcing a VOD pivot that the film never recovered from. It grossed less than $900,000 worldwide, and Hittman has since moved on to other projects.
These films, each with their own unique story, highlight the challenges and uncertainties that the film industry faced during the pandemic. From shifting audience tastes to logistical hurdles and strategic missteps, the COVID-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, reshaping the way films are released and consumed.
