In a collaboration between Sony and Marvel, the much-anticipated “Madame Web,” touted as a feminist twist on the superhero genre, hit theaters on February 14. However, what was meant to be a promising opening weekend turned into a significant setback for the film, facing colossal losses right out of the gate.
Despite the extended Presidents’ Day weekend, traditionally a boon for box office numbers, “Madame Web” failed to captivate audiences, resulting in dismal ticket sales that barely scraped a few million dollars each day. Deadline’s report on the box office performance over the holiday weekend painted a bleak picture, highlighting the film’s struggle to recoup its massive production costs amidst abysmally low turnout.
Opening to a meager $6.05 million on Valentine’s Day, “Madame Web” saw its fortunes dwindle further, plummeting to a mere $2.15 million on the subsequent day. While there was a slight uptick with $4.6 million on Sunday, hopes quickly deflated as ticket sales dipped again to $2.65 million on Presidents’ Day, culminating in a domestic haul of just $26 million over six days.
This paltry figure pales in comparison to the film’s hefty budget, which soared to around $150 million after factoring in production and promotional expenses. With such a substantial deficit, “Madame Web” finds itself drowning financially, exacerbated by scathing reviews from both critics and audiences alike.
Receiving a lackluster C+ on CinemaScore and a dismal 13% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Madame Web” failed to resonate with viewers, earning it the dubious honor of being one of Marvel’s worst-reviewed endeavors. Even comparatively generous ratings from platforms like IMDB and Metacritic couldn’t salvage its reputation, further cementing its downward spiral.
Adding insult to injury, industry insiders predict that the impending release of the highly anticipated “Dune” remake will spell the end of whatever fleeting momentum “Madame Web” managed to muster. With a star-studded cast and international appeal, “Dune” threatens to overshadow its struggling counterpart, delivering a final blow to its already faltering prospects.
Social media buzz surrounding “Madame Web” mirrors the sentiment expressed in reviews, with users deriding its lackluster plot and uninspired storytelling. Memes and witty comments mocking the film’s shortcomings abound, highlighting its failure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
In light of its abysmal performance, “Madame Web” serves as a cautionary tale for studios seeking to inject feminist themes into the superhero genre. Despite noble intentions, the film’s lackluster execution and tepid reception underscore the importance of striking a balance between ideology and entertainment value in catering to diverse audience tastes.
