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(From left) Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell in Matthew Vaughn’s ‘Argylle.’
universal photos
Rejected by many critics and consumers alike, Matthew Vaughn’s expensive spy comedy argylle is failing at the North American box office in the biggest failure to date for Apple’s theatrical ambitions.
The film, which reportedly cost $200 million to make before marketing, grossed $5.6 million on Friday for an estimated opening of $16.5 million. The results are not much better abroad, where argylle estimates an opening weekend of $16.9 million. Numbers will be updated Sunday morning.
Because Apple is first and foremost one of the richest tech companies in the world whose priority on the content side is streaming, its theatrical efforts are judged differently. If traditional Hollywood studios released a $200 million movie with results like these, they would be skewered.
Universal is distributing argylle on behalf of Apple Original Films in exchange for a distribution fee.
argylledirected from a script Wonder WomanJason Fuchs by Jason Fuchs tells the story of a best-selling spy novelist and cat-loving recluse whose quiet life is turned upside down when the plots of her books begin to come to life.
Vaughn’s reality-bending spy thriller doesn’t lack star power. The cast includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, Dua Lipa, Catherine O’Hara, Sofia Boutella and Samuel L. Jackson. Alfie the cat is played by Chip, the real-life pet of supermodel Claudia Vaughn (née Schiffer).
argylle It is Apple’s third traditional theatrical release in recent months after Martin Scorsese’s Oscar nominee. Moonflower Killers and Napoleon by Ridley Scott. Both films also cost $200 million or more to produce. Many in Hollywood believe it’s a good thing Apple Original Films is throwing its hat into the ring, as it means more movies on the big screen before they stream on Apple TV+.
While he may be an awards favorite, Flower Moon Killers – which earned 10 Oscar nominations, the third most of any film behind oppenheimer (13) and poor things (11) — Scorsese’s epic has only grossed $157.6 million at the global box office. Napoleon has fared slightly better with $219.4 million to date (the latter film garnered three Oscar nominations).
The other new action at the domestic box office this weekend is a special nationwide premiere of the faith-based series. The Chosen: Season 4, Episodes 1-3. The producers of the hit streaming series wanted it to be available in theaters first. Episodes four, five and six will be released in theaters later this month. Fathom Events is handling The chosen one theatrically in its widest release to date. This weekend’s figure is estimated at $3.3 million.
Among the remnants, Warner Bros.’ musical Wonka is crossing the $200 million mark domestically, while the Paramount musical Bad Girls is crossing $100 million in a vote of confidence for the often maligned genre.
Grosses will be updated on Sunday morning.