Hollywood actor Zachary Levi seems to be facing a streak of bad luck at the box office, as fans believe following the lackluster response to his recent film, Harold and the Purple Crayon. The actor, known for starring in films like Chuck and DC’s Shazam, played the lead in the $40 million fantasy comedy.
With the film significantly underperforming in its previews, it is expected to fall below that of the 2023 film Shazam! Fury of the Gods. And fans sympathize with the actor while acknowledging his potential and lamenting success in a recent streak of box office misfortunes.
Zachary Levi’s Box Office Struggles Continue with Harold and the Purple Crayon
Following the lackluster reception to his 2023 superhero film Shazam 2, Zachary Levi’s latest film, Harold and the Purple Crayon, has received a disappointing critical and commercial reception.
Based on Crockett Johnson’s book, the film follows Harold, who brings his drawings to life with a magical crayon. However, when his crayon’s power is misused, Harold must use his creativity to save both the real and imaginary worlds.
Despite a more positive audience response, the film’s preview earnings have been underwhelming. The film reportedly made $725K from previews ahead of its official release at the domestic box office on a $40M budget. And it is expected to make $6M in its opening weekend, but the outlook appears rather bleak.
The movie is facing the possibility of becoming another flop for Levi, following the disappointing global box office performance of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which earned $134 million worldwide.
And it has started a conversation among people, about the potential impact on Levi’s career and whether the film might further damage his stardom.
Fans Share Surprise and Skepticism For Zachary Levi’s Harold and the Purple Crayon
Fans have reacted to Levi’s fantasy comedy with a significant lack of awareness and interest in the film. While some expressed a mix of surprise, confusion, and skepticism regarding the film’s existence, others also showed sympathy for the actor.
“I feel bad for Zachary Levi,” one fan said on X (Twitter) while lamenting the current state of comedy films. They stated that they miss simpler and more traditional comedies of the past, arguing that modern comedy films are majorly R-rated or too fantastical.
However, some also criticized the film’s minimal marketing efforts and voiced disappointment over Levi’s career trajectory. One X(Twitter) user said that despite being “rich enough to survive and be well off” Levi seems to be struggling with the box office performance of his movies.
I feel bad for zachary Levi, he's not that bad. Why they no longer make comedy movies like they used to before. Now it's either R rated or some imaginary shit. I miss the old adam sandler and jason bateman movies.
— yeah~Mageek 🇵🇸 (@Multiverse4fans) August 2, 2024
Of all time? What? It’s projecting a 7 million opening off a 40 budget. How do you compare that to, say, John Carter or Jupiter Ascending off the top of my head? Do you know this business?
— Jeremy Blum (@PeteDribblesLLC) August 2, 2024
Where was the marketing? I just seen a trailer for this like a few days ago. Talk about a waste of money.
— Chris Garcia (@oOCRSOo) August 2, 2024
The marketimg for this sucked cuz I forgot this was even coming out. Visuals are dope tho 🤷🏾♂️
— IntroVert King 👑 (@10th_Letta) August 2, 2024
Whose gonna watch a movie with Zachary Levi now lol
— 🐺ᴬᴶ (@xLoneWolfAJx) August 2, 2024
It’s a bomb, but no where close to the biggest. That number is just from a day of previews, could have a bigger turnout from families throughout the weekend. But the overall number will definitely be weak.
— Tyler G.⚡ (@TAGintheGame) August 2, 2024
The general sentiment ranges from mild curiosity to outright disbelief and mockery, indicating that the film faces an uphill battle in terms of audience reception and box office success.
While it boasts a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to a 29% critic score, the fantasy comedy film is not expected to leave a significant mark.
Harold and the Purple Crayon is now playing in theaters.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is available to stream on Max.
