Why Adam Sandler's Latest Sci-Fi Flick Missed the Mark on Its Release Date
Discover why the timing of Spaceman's Netflix debut fell short of expectations in the sci-fi genre.
Adam Sandler's new movie Spaceman, based on the book Spaceman of Bohemia, made its streaming debut on Netflix at a less than ideal time. The story follows astronaut Jakub Procházka, played by Sandler, who is facing challenges in his marriage while on a space mission. Along the way, he befriends a telepathic alien spider named Hanuš, voiced by Paul Dano.
Sandler, known for his comedic roles, took on a more serious role in Spaceman, adding to the anticipation for the sci-fi drama directed by Johan Renck. The movie had a limited theatrical release on February 23, 2024 before streaming on Netflix on March 1. Unfortunately, the release date coincided with a major movie release, causing Spaceman to be overshadowed.
Spaceman is available to stream on Netflix.
Releasing Spaceman The Same Day As Dune 2 Is A Risky Strategy
It was a bold move to compete with the highly anticipated Dune sequel
Adam Sandler wears an astronaut suit in Spaceman - It was a bold move to compete with the highly anticipated Dune sequel - Releasing Spaceman The Same Day As Dune 2 Is A Risky Strategy
In hindsight, March 1, 2024, may not have been the ideal day for Spaceman to premiere on Netflix. This was the same day that Dune: Part Two was released in theaters. Dune: Part Two is the continuation of Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel, featuring familiar characters and new additions to the cast. After the success of the first film, the highly anticipated Dune sequel is not the ideal competition for a movie like Spaceman.
Dune: Part Two is currently showing in theaters worldwide.
Spaceman and Dune 2 were originally set for release in 2023, with Dune 2 scheduled for November 3 after a couple of changes. However, both movies faced delays due to the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, leading to them being released together in March 2024. Even though they won't be competing at the box office, it was a bold move for Spaceman to debut on Netflix the same day as Dune 2 hit theaters.
By premiering on the same day as Dune 2, Spaceman was bound to be compared to the popular sci-fi blockbuster.
How Dune 2 Can Hurt Spaceman's Reviews
With all the excitement surrounding it, Dune 2 was likely to outshine Spaceman due to their similarities in genre and setting. While Dune 2 may offer more action, both sci-fi films revolve around outer space. The Dune series is set in the future on a desert planet, while Sandler's character in Spaceman embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the solar system. Sharing a release date with Dune 2 inevitably led to comparisons between the two movies. Initial reviews for both films suggest that this could have negative implications for the Netflix production.
Watching Dune 2 and Spaceman back-to-back could influence viewers' perspective
Adam Sandler standing alone in a river in Spaceman 2024 - Watching Dune 2 and Spaceman back-to-back could influence viewers' perspective - How Dune 2 Can Hurt Spaceman's Reviews
So far, Spaceman's reviews have been mixed. Many critics have praised Adam Sandler's performance and the stunning visuals of the film. However, they have also found it thematically incoherent and lacking substance. Spaceman's Rotten Tomatoes scores have been dropping, with the critical score decreasing from 62% to 49% and the audience score dropping from 83% to 66% over its first weekend.
On the other hand, Dune 2 has been receiving incredible reviews. The sequel has been highly praised, with some even calling it a sci-fi masterpiece. Dune 2's Rotten Tomatoes score has broken records, currently sitting at a 94% critics score and 95% audience score.
The outstanding success of Dune 2 may end up making Spaceman look even worse in comparison.
Even though Spaceman may have its own flaws, the release of Dune 2 could still have a negative impact on how critics and audiences view it. If people watch both movies one after the other, the impressive qualities of Dune 2 might end up highlighting the weaknesses of Spaceman, especially if Dune 2 is watched first. It's important for viewers not to let their opinion of one film affect their judgment of another. However, by coming out at the same time as the highly acclaimed Dune 2, Spaceman found itself in a challenging position.
Editor's P/S:
The article effectively highlights the unfortunate timing of the release of Adam Sandler's "Spaceman" in relation to the highly anticipated "Dune: Part Two." The decision to debut both films on the same day proved to be a risky strategy, as "Dune: Part Two" inevitably overshadowed "Spaceman" due to its larger scale, critical acclaim, and box office dominance.
The unfavorable comparison between the two films, particularly in terms of genre and setting, has potentially impacted "Spaceman's" reception. While Sandler's performance and the film's visuals have received praise, the mixed reviews suggest that its thematic coherence and substance may have fallen short. The success of "Dune: Part Two" could further exacerbate these issues, making "Spaceman" appear less impressive in comparison. Ultimately, the release date decision has created a challenging environment for "Spaceman," hindering its potential for broader recognition and appreciation.
