Michael Spurlock has a penchant for coming out with movies that have provoked the minds of people around the globe. The Super Size Me franchise is an instance of how he’s not afraid of blowing off the lid from topics that not many want to talk about. His demise this Thursday will mark an end to his illustrious run. But looking back at one of his ventures, Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken, the movie lost out on something big, because of one reason.
Morgan Spurlock passed away at the age of 53
Morgan Spurlock had been suffering from cancer for the past few years of his life, with his friends and family by his side. And on 23rd May, he breathed his last. His family brought the news to light that he had passed away due to the complications arising out of cancer.
His brother, Craig Spurlock, said,
“It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan. Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas, and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked with him.” (The Guardian)
And he couldn’t be more right. The impact he left with his art can still be felt. His brand of informative and eye-opening documentaries have enthralled and enriched fans over the years. One such work was the combo of Super Size Me docuseries.
Why Morgan Spurlock’s Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken lost out on $3.5 million
When speaking of Morgan Spurlock’s works, it would be criminal not to speak of Super Size Me. The movie unraveled the practices that plagued fast food franchises and how they had a detrimental impact on the health of Americans, one meal at a time. The 2004 docuseries truly was a revelation.
When the late director announced that a sequel was supposed to follow, many were expecting something similar. Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken was all set to shine light on the maladies of the poultry industry. Alas! It was not meant to be though. The loss of a $3.5 million paycheck, along with snags in distributorship, proved to be too costly in the end.
Morgan Spurlock’s confessional essay cost Super Size Me 2 big time
Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken made waves at Toronto Film Festival. One of the facets of that run was bagging a $3.5 million distribution deal from YouTube Red, coming as a big aid for Spurlock. The deal also meant that the audience would get to witness a Theatrical and VOD release, putting the movie on the map. But it all changed.
Fast forward a few months, and the Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? director found himself in a controversy following his confessional essay posted on social media amidst the storm of allegations against him. The controversy meant that YouTube Red pulled the deal back. What followed was a release of the film by Goldwyn in key cities, including a small number of theatres in New York, LA, and Chicago.
