The COVID-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on Hollywood, with many anticipated films facing unexpected challenges and ultimately flopping at the box office. In this article, we'll delve into the stories behind these forgotten films and explore the fascinating factors that led to their demise. From ambitious musical adaptations to thought-provoking dramas, these movies deserve a second look, not just for their artistic merit but also for the insights they offer into the shifting landscape of cinema during a global crisis.
The Impact of COVID on Hollywood's Big Releases
The pandemic disrupted the film industry in unprecedented ways. Studios struggled to navigate the changing tastes and habits of audiences, often delaying or dumping projects, leaving them to languish on streaming platforms or in empty theaters. It was a period of uncertainty and experimentation, with filmmakers and distributors alike grappling with the new normal.
West Side Story: A Musical's Struggle
Steven Spielberg's ambitious re-adaptation of West Side Story, released in late winter 2021, faced an uphill battle. Despite critical acclaim and a stellar cast, the film struggled to find its audience. The pandemic had shifted audience preferences, with younger viewers flocking to blockbusters like Dune and Spider-Man: No Way Home. West Side Story, a musical aimed at older demographics, failed to capture the attention it deserved, grossing just $76 million against a $100 million budget.
In the Heights: A Sun-Soaked Musical's Fate
Jon M. Chu's adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit, In the Heights, should have been a summer blockbuster. With a vibrant score and a story perfectly suited to the political climate, it had all the ingredients for success. However, the film's release coincided with Warner Bros.' controversial decision to release its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max. This move discouraged audiences from returning to theaters, and In the Heights, despite its merits, fell short, grossing under its $55 million budget.
The Last Duel: Ridley Scott's Genre Homecoming
Ridley Scott's return to the sword-swinging genre with The Last Duel was met with critical acclaim for its compelling themes and immersive production. However, the film's release in October 2021, on the same day as Universal's horror blockbuster Halloween Kills, proved disastrous. Scott blamed the film's failure on millennials and their cell phones, but the truth is more nuanced. Like West Side Story, The Last Duel suffered from a lack of interest in adult dramas, grossing just over $30 million against a $100 million budget.
Nightmare Alley: Guillermo del Toro's Financial Failure
Bradley Cooper's collaboration with Guillermo del Toro in Nightmare Alley was a grim affair that tackled post-pandemic issues with del Toro's signature style. Despite critical acclaim and an Oscar nod, the film became the director's toughest financial failure. Released a week after West Side Story, it fell victim to the same audience apathy, grossing just under $40 million against a $60 million budget.
News of the World: Tom Hanks' Unlucky Release
Tom Hanks' reunion with Paul Greengrass for News of the World should have been a sure bet. However, its release on Christmas Day 2020 was ill-timed. With new releases like Soul and Wonder Woman 1984 hitting streaming, audiences were reluctant to venture out, and the film's target audience—older, vulnerable moviegoers—stayed home. It's a testament to Hanks' enduring appeal that the film made $12 million, a surprising feat given the circumstances.
Last Night in Soho: Edgar Wright's Evolution
Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho is a distinct departure from his previous work, evolving his style beyond the Cornetto Trilogy. The film derives horror from contemporary nostalgia, a theme that resonates with audiences. However, its release in October 2021 was not ideal, and the marketing failed to capture the essence of a true Wright film. With a budget of $43 million, it grossed about $23 million, a disappointing result for a film that should have attracted a wider audience.
Spencer: Kristen Stewart's Oscar-Worthy Performance
Casting Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in Spencer was a masterstroke. The film deconstructed the royal fantasy, humanizing Diana through Stewart's brilliant performance. Despite its modest budget, Spencer wasn't a financial disaster, grossing $25 million. However, its release in November 2021, amidst a crowded awards season, hindered its performance. With royal family period pieces being popular, it's hard not to imagine a better fate for this film in a different year.
The Tragedy of Macbeth: Joel Coen's Solo Debut
Joel Coen's solo directorial debut, The Tragedy of Macbeth, is a understated masterpiece. With a career-high performance from Denzel Washington, the film is a dazzling adaptation of Shakespeare's play. However, its release was blunted by streaming acquisitions, with Apple TV prioritizing subscribers over a wide theatrical release. The film reportedly grossed just over $500,000, a disappointing result for such a stellar production.
The Card Counter: Oscar Isaac's Return to Form
Oscar Isaac's collaboration with Paul Schrader in The Card Counter was a welcome respite from his sci-fi ventures. The film, an anti-revenge thriller, was always destined for a limited commercial run, grossing $5 million. Schrader's subtle, character-focused direction provided a refreshing change of pace for Isaac, and the film's exhaustive performance is a testament to its artistic merit.
First Cow: Kelly Reichardt's Slow-Burn Success
Kelly Reichardt's First Cow is a slow-burn masterpiece, exploring modern economic struggles through a 19th-century lens. Despite its critical acclaim, the film struggled at the box office, grossing $1.3 million. A24's quick pivot to VOD services in the summer of 2020 overwhelmed consumers with paid content, and the film's release was overshadowed by the pandemic.
Saint Maud: Rose Glass' Terrifying Debut
Rose Glass' directorial debut, Saint Maud, is a terrifying examination of faith in the face of death. Based on a true story, the film's release was delayed by the pandemic, with A24 locking it away for over a year. Its wide release in January 2021 was short-lived, and the film grossed $1.6 million. However, Glass' career has since taken off, with her next feature, Love Lies Bleeding, slated for release in 2024.
Petite Maman: Céline Sciamma's Intimate Drama
Céline Sciamma's Petite Maman is a fantastical drama about an eight-year-old girl's encounter with her younger self. The film, released in the spring of 2021, explores grief and anxiety through the eyes of a child. With a $2 million box office haul, it's a modest success, but its lack of a meaningful theatrical release in the U.S. prevented it from reaching a wider audience.
Wolfwalkers: Cartoon Saloon's Ambitious Animation
Wolfwalkers, from Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, is a visually stunning film with a budget of $10 million. The film's release on Apple TV was controversial, with debates surrounding its wide theatrical release. Grossing just $1.3 million, the film's fate was sealed by the pandemic and the influx of animated films on streaming platforms.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always: A Critical Acclaim's Tragic Fate
Eliza Hittman's Never Rarely Sometimes Always is a powerful drama about America's abortion system. Released on March 13, 2020, it faced an immediate VOD pivot due to theater closures. The film's extraordinary critical acclaim never translated to box office success, grossing less than $900,000. Hittman's career has since taken a different path, with her directing and producing for Peacock, but her big-screen return is eagerly awaited.
Conclusion
These forgotten films of the COVID-19 pandemic era offer a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the film industry during a global crisis. From musical adaptations to thought-provoking dramas, each film has a story to tell, not just about its artistic merits but also about the shifting landscape of cinema. As we reflect on these flops, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that shape a film's success or failure, and we're reminded of the resilience and creativity of the film industry in the face of adversity.
