The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the film industry, leaving many anticipated projects in limbo. This article explores the fate of 15 films that were released during this challenging period, highlighting the various factors that contributed to their commercial failure. From delayed releases to changing audience tastes, these films faced unique challenges that ultimately led to their underperformance at the box office.
West Side Story (2021): Despite critical acclaim and a stellar cast, this musical adaptation struggled to find an audience in theaters. Released during a time when moviegoing habits were still uncertain, it faced competition from other blockbusters and failed to resonate with younger audiences.
In the Heights (2021): Warner Bros.' decision to release this highly anticipated musical on HBO Max simultaneously backfired. While the film received positive reviews, the lack of a traditional theatrical release and the ongoing pandemic anxiety likely contributed to its underperformance.
The Last Duel (2021): Ridley Scott's period action drama, with a stacked cast and compelling subject matter, was overshadowed by the release of Universal's horror blockbuster "Halloween Kills" on the same day. The film's financial failure can be attributed to the same lack of interest in adult dramas that affected other releases.
Nightmare Alley (2021): Guillermo del Toro's neo-noir thriller, despite critical acclaim and a strong cast, fell victim to the same pitfalls as "West Side Story" and "The Last Duel". The surge in COVID cases during December, due to the Omicron variant, likely deterred audiences from visiting theaters.
News of the World (2020): Tom Hanks' Western drama, set during the pandemic, attempted a full theatrical release during a time when cinemas were still uncertain. The film's marketing targeted an older, more vulnerable audience, but the release date and competition from other films likely contributed to its modest box office performance.
Last Night in Soho (2021): Edgar Wright's horror film, with a distinct visual style, faced divided reactions and a lack of marketing that aligned with the filmmaker's evolving style. The target audience, while distinct, may have been less inclined to support a film that didn't resonate with their expectations.
Spencer (2021): Kristen Stewart's portrayal of Princess Diana in this biopic was well-received, but the film's release had to compete with other awards-season contenders. The popularity of royal family period pieces and the film's relatively modest budget likely contributed to its financial success, but not to the extent expected.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021): Apple TV's limited theatrical release of this Shakespeare adaptation, co-produced with A24, was blunted by last-minute streaming acquisitions. The film's financial performance was significantly impacted by the streaming pivot, resulting in a gross of just over $500,000.
The Card Counter (2021): Oscar Isaac's performance in this anti-revenge thriller was gripping, but the film's release during a slow period in theaters likely contributed to its lack of commercial success. The film's low commercial ceiling and the director's lack of mainstream blockbuster hits further exacerbated the situation.
First Cow (2020): A24's release of this indie film during the early days of the pandemic was a strategic move, but the distributor's change of course once it became clear audiences couldn't return to theaters quickly enough. The film's financial performance was impacted by the overwhelming number of VOD services and the lack of a meaningful theatrical release in the U.S.
Saint Maud (2021): This indie horror film, despite critical acclaim and a distribution deal with A24, was locked away for over a year due to the pandemic. The film's financial performance was modest, but the director's subsequent success with "Love Lies Bleeding" suggests a potential for future success.
Pig (2021): Released domestically in the spring of 2021, this French drama faced a lack of a meaningful theatrical release in the U.S., preventing it from registering with those aware of the director's previous work.
Petite Maman (2021): This French drama, released domestically in the spring of 2021, faced a similar challenge as "Pig", with a lack of a meaningful theatrical release in the U.S. preventing it from reaching a wider audience.
Wolfwalkers (2021): Apple TV's release of this animated film faced competition from other animated films on streaming platforms. The film's financial performance was impacted by the lack of a proper wide theatrical release, resulting in a gross of just $1.3 million.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020): Released on March 13, 2020, the same day theaters shut down, this critically acclaimed drama about abortion faced a VOD pivot that the film never recovered from. The financial performance was significantly impacted, resulting in a gross of less than $900,000 worldwide.
