It looks like the worst-case scenario is coming alive for Sony’sMadame Web. Now on its way out of theaters afterhaving debuted on PVOD platformssome days ago, the Spider-Man spin-off film is poised to conclude its theatrical run just short of two major milestones at the box office.Madame Webopened to poor critical reviewsand audience reception a month ago, on the back of weeks-long mockery on social media, which was followed by more potshots onSaturday Night Liveand even the Oscars.
The movie has grossed $43 million domestically, after adding just around $400,000this weekend—its fifth. Overseas,Madame Webhas made just $54 million, fora cumulative global haul of $97.5 million. While there’sno chance of it passing the $50 million markstateside, the film could still manage to crawl past the $100 million milestone worldwide if it’s able to hang on for a week or two. It wouldn’t do much forSony’s bottom line, but at least the optics wouldn’t look as bad.
Madame Webwasproduced on a reported budget of $80 million, which is around half of what most superhero films cost these days. But the writing was on the wall before it even opened. The moviewas at the receiving end of online mockery for its unintentionally funny trailer, which became the source of several memes. It didn’t help that starDakota Johnsonseemed to be disinterested in associating with the project for even a second longer than what was contractually required. Her concern was warranted;Madame Webopened to poor reviews, and currently sits at a “rotten” 13% score on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes.
How Will Sony Rebound After This?
Collider’sLisa Lamanlikened itto Sony’s other infamous superhero dud,Morbius, which looks like a proper blockbuster by comparison. StarringJared Leto, the film ended its box office run with over $70 million domestically and more than $160 million worldwide. LikeMadame Web, it also sparked a meme-fest online. Sony mistook this as genuine interest, and re-released the film in theaters, only for it to flop again. The studio can find solace in the success of its recent romantic comedyAnyone But You, also starringMadame Web’sSydney Sweeney.
But everybody will be concerned about the upcomingKraven the Hunterfilm, directed byJ.C. Chandor. So far, only the two Venom films have proven to be bona-fide box office hits inSony’s attempts to mimicthe success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But with no Spider-Man in sight, audience interest in films such asMorbiusandMadame Webhas been negligible at best, especially considering thatthe superhero genre itself seems to be undergoing an overhaul. You can now watchMadame Webat home, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Madame Web
Cassandra Webb is a New York City paramedic who starts to show signs of clairvoyance. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she must protect three young women from a mysterious adversary who wants them dead.
Watch on Prime Video
