Madame Web, Sony’s recent superhero venture, faced an inevitable downturn with dismal reviews and fan backlash. However, an unexpected savior emerged in the form of Sydney Sweeney’s romantic comedy, Anyone But You, swiftly turning the tide for the entertainment giant.
While Madame Web succumbed to a barrage of criticism pre-release, Sydney Sweeney’s parallel role as Julia Carpenter in the film left fans questioning the casting choice. Surprisingly, Anyone But You, distributed by Sony alongside Madame Web, rose as a sleeper hit, potentially offsetting the losses incurred by the Marvel venture.
Madame Web’s Struggle at the Box Office
Madame Web struggled at the box office, accumulating a meager $17 million during its opening weekend and a mere $25 million in domestic sales over its initial 6-day run. Earning the unfortunate title of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe’s worst opening, it fell short even against Morbius’ $39 million weekend debut.
Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s Anyone But You, however, shattered expectations by crossing the $100 million international mark during the Valentine’s Day week. The unexpected success fueled speculation of a romantic comedy renaissance, challenging the superhero-dominated cinema landscape.
A Changing Cinematic Landscape
The decline of superhero movies and the potential rise of rom-coms marked a significant shift in audience preferences. Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst, noted the evolving tastes, emphasizing the uncertainty within the superhero genre.
Will Gluck, the writer-director of Anything But You, emphasized studios’ adaptability, recognizing successful trends and seeking to replicate them. This success story proves that rom-coms, often overshadowed by blockbuster franchises, can resonate with audiences and influence industry trends.
Superhero Fatigue or Evolving Preferences?
Madame Web’s struggles may not solely reflect superhero fatigue, as upcoming releases like Deadpool & Wolverine and Joker: Folie á Deux generate considerable anticipation. According to David A. Gross from Franchise Entertainment Research, the era of effortlessly turning superhero characters into standalone hits has waned, suggesting a shift in audience dynamics.
Sydney Sweeney’s unexpected triumph with Anyone But You serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of audience preferences. While Madame Web’s fate appears bleak for now, Sweeney’s success signals a potential resurgence of diverse genres in the cinematic landscape.
