Argylle Digital Release Date Unveiled Following Successful Theatrical Run

Argylle, directed by Matthew Vaughn, is set to be digitally released just a month after its theatrical debut. The action thriller follows Elly Conway, an introverted spy novelist portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, as she gets caught up in real-life espionage, featuring plot twists and Vaughn's signature stylized action scenes. The film was intended to kick off a larger franchise with sequels and spinoffs, including the further adventures of Elly, Agent Argylle played by Henry Cavill, and a crossover with Vaughn's Kingsman series.

Apple Original Films recently announced that Argylle will be available for streaming on March 5 via premium video-on-demand and electronic sell-through in the U.S. and Canada. It will later be released globally on Apple TV+. This digital release strategy mirrors that of Apple Original Films' other recent theatrical releases like Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, which were also made available through video-on-demand before streaming on Apple TV+, despite having longer theatrical runs compared to Argylle.

Argylle's VOD & Streaming Performance Will Determine If The Franchise Has A Future

Henry Cavill as Agent Argylle in Argylle - Argylle's VOD & Streaming Performance Will Determine If The Franchise Has A Future

Despite boasting a star-studded cast and Vaughn's ambitious franchise plans, Argylle's disappointing performance at the box office and negative reviews have cast doubts on Vaughn's hopes for the film. Made with a reported budget of $200 million, Argylle has failed to even gross $100 million after a month in theaters. Critics were unimpressed, criticizing the film for squandering its promising premise with overly complex plot twists and a poorly paced narrative.

Currently, Argylle holds a 33% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Argylle's last hope lies in its performance on video-on-demand platforms, particularly on Apple TV+. If the movie can attract a large audience and positive feedback through streaming, it may have a chance to continue its story as a TV series on Apple TV+ or as a streaming film instead of a theatrical release. Many movies have found success through streaming after struggling in theaters.

The next film in Vaughn's plan is Argylle: Book One, which will focus on the origins of Agent Argylle before returning to Elly's story in Argylle 2. If Vaughn is able to expand the franchise on Apple TV+, it will be interesting to see how he brings his vision to life. However, if Argylle fails to perform well on streaming platforms, it could mean the end of a potential new spy thriller franchise.

Source: Apple Original Films

Editor's P/S:

The article on "Argylle" presents a intriguing glimpse into the uncertain future of the film and its franchise aspirations. Despite its star-studded cast and ambitious plans, the film's underwhelming box office performance and negative critical reception have dampened expectations. The article suggests that Argylle's last hope lies in its performance on video-on-demand platforms, with the potential to continue its story through streaming rather than theatrical releases.

This scenario highlights the evolving landscape of filmmaking and distribution. With the increasing popularity of streaming services, films that struggle in theaters may find a second life through digital platforms. However, the success of Argylle on streaming will depend on its ability to attract a loyal audience and generate positive feedback. If it fails to gain traction, it could signal the end of Vaughn's franchise dreams and leave fans yearning for a satisfying conclusion to the story.