In the world of film, not every movie can be a hit. Despite the initial excitement and buzz surrounding Matthew Vaughn's latest film, Argylle, it seems to have fallen short both in terms of critical reception and box office performance. The disappointing second weekend at the box office, with a significant 62% drop-off, marks Henry Cavill's worst result in eight years.
Henry Cavill, known for his roles as Superman in the DCEU and Geralt in Netflix's The Witcher, has been facing some setbacks recently. Despite his popularity among fans, he hasn't managed to find a successful project that matches his appeal. Even his potential as the future James Bond seems uncertain now. Argylle was seen as his best opportunity to launch his own spy franchise, but unfortunately, it hasn't met expectations.
Currently holding a meager 32% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it's not entirely surprising that Argylle failed to resonate with critics. The audience response has been slightly more favorable, with a 71% score, but it hasn't translated into significant box office success. Following an opening domestic weekend of $17 million, the film experienced a steep decline, only earning $6.6 million in its second weekend. This is not a promising sign for a movie that reportedly needs around $300 million in order to turn a profit.
The film industry has undergone significant changes in the past few years, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rise of streaming platforms, Argylle is a prime example of a movie that might have thrived at the box office in 2019 but faces different challenges now. Many people are willing to wait for a film's release on a streaming platform, rather than spending money on a trip to the cinema. This shift in consumer behavior has impacted the traditional measurement of success for movies.
Partly funded by Apple TV+, Argylle is set to stream on their platform after its theatrical run. It is likely to become one of their biggest releases upon its availability. However, this raises questions about the future of the franchise. Despite two more films being planned, the lackluster box office results may result in subsequent movies being limited to a streaming-only release.
In conclusion, Argylle is a film that hasn't managed to make a splash in the competitive movie market. With negative reviews and disappointing box office numbers, its future remains uncertain. However, as the film transitions from the big screen to streaming platforms, it may find a new audience and create a niche for itself. Only time will tell whether the franchise will continue as intended, but one thing is clear: success in the film industry is no longer solely determined by box office figures.
