Argylle Struggles at the Box Office, Falling Short of Budget Recovery One Month Into Theatrical Release
Argylle, a high-budget production estimated at $200 million, continues to face challenges in recouping its costs despite a full month in theaters.
The spy comedy Argylle, starring Henry Cavill as Agent Argylle, is struggling at the box office after a month in theaters. The character was created by author Elly Conway, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, who finds herself in a thrilling adventure. With a budget of $200 million, the movie needs to make at least $400 million to break even. Despite opening at No. 1, the movie only earned $17.4 million in its debut and has made a disappointing $88.5 million worldwide.
As the movie wraps up its fifth weekend in theaters, it is projected to earn an additional $1.3 million. This will bring its total earnings to $43.8 million, which is less than a quarter of its production budget. Even with international numbers yet to be fully reported, it is unlikely that the movie will reach $100 million worldwide unless there is a significant increase in earnings. This is just half of its budget, indicating a struggle at the box office.
What Does This Mean for the Future of the Argylle Franchise?
Henry Cavill blocking an attacker as agent Argylle in Argylle - What Does This Mean for the Future of the Argylle Franchise?
One complicating factor in the movie's box office struggle is the fact that the Argylle ending sets up many possibilities for the future of the franchise. This includes a promise of Argylle: Book One - The Movie coming soon, as well as other projects hinted at by director Matthew Vaughn. These projects may consist of a potential Argylle 2, a crossover with his Kingsman movies, and a prequel show featuring Louis Partridge as a young Agent Argylle. Unfortunately, despite these exciting prospects, the future looks uncertain for these projects.
The end credits scene of Argylle hints at potential connections with the Kingsman franchise.
The financial prospects of the Argylle release may not be as bad as they appear. The movie is scheduled for a streaming release on Apple TV+ in the future, but the exact date is unknown. If the movie attracts new subscribers when it premieres on streaming, it could eventually make a profit for Apple Original Films, the co-producer. However, it still seems unlikely that the movie will reach the $400 million break-even point.
If Argylle becomes a big hit on streaming, there is a small chance that the planned franchise could move forward. However, it is probable that any future projects would have smaller budgets, reducing the risk for the company. These projects might not resonate with the same audience as the original movie, making the likelihood of success even lower than before.
Source: Deadline
Editor's P/S:
The underperformance of "Argylle" at the box office is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the film industry in a post-pandemic landscape. Despite its star-studded cast and intriguing premise, the movie has struggled to connect with audiences, highlighting the importance of strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews in driving ticket sales. The financial implications for the potential franchise are significant, as the movie's underperformance casts doubt on the viability of future installments.
However, the potential for a streaming release on Apple TV+ offers a glimmer of hope for "Argylle." If the movie can attract a large number of subscribers, it could potentially recoup its production costs and justify the development of future projects. Nevertheless, the financial risks associated with the franchise remain high, and it is unclear whether the planned sequels and spin-offs will ever come to fruition.
