Henry Cavill’s career has hit a bit of a rough patch since he had to hang up his cape as Superman. The Justice League star was dropped from the franchise as the invincible Kryptonian just months after announcing his return last year. Since then, Cavill has tried to expand his portfolio, setting his sights on other ambitious projects. However, he has yet to find success.
Henry Cavill joined the ensemble for Apple’s high-budget spy thriller, Argylle, in 2021. Unfortunately, the film failed to impress the critics at all, and it bombed. So, where did it go wrong?
Why did Henry Cavill’s latest film, Argylle, fail to perform at the box office?
Helmed by Matthew Vaughn, Argylle had a star-studded lineup. From Henry Cavill to Bryce Dallas-Howard, Universal had a hit on their hands. Or so it seemed before it turned out to be a colossal failure.
The plot follows the story of a spy novelist, Elly Conway, the writer of the Argylle series. In a strange turn of events, she becomes the target of a group called the Division, which has put out a hit on her. Conway, however, is saved by an actual spy, and together, they try to find a way to stop them.
Bryce Dallas-Howard plays the novelist, Elly Conway, while Sam Rockwell plays Aidan, the spy who saves her. Cavill’s part is relatively small, but he features in the film as the titular character. Dua Lipa and Sofia Boutella were also part of the film.
Made on a budget of over $200 million, Variety reported that the film needed to make $500 million or more to break even, as Apple and Universal spent over $80 million just to promote the film. So for a film of this scale, it had to cross the $500 million threshold, which it failed to do.
The film got off to a disappointing start, as it minted just $17 million domestically on the opening weekend. The Universal film procured a meager $4 million from the international market. During the entirety of its theatrical run, it made only $36 million in the domestic market and only $40 million worldwide. The film could not even cross the $100 million threshold, sputtering to a stop with a gross total of $76 million.
Argylle was part of the slate of Apple TV+ films such as Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon. All three films had a budget of upwards of $200 million, and all three struggled to perform financially.
Fans sympathize with Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill has been the face of several big franchises. From playing the caped Kryptonian in the DCEU to Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series, he is not new to bringing iconic characters to life on the screen. However, he has departed from both franchises, and his career has borne the brunt of it, although he might make his debut in the MCU soon.
His latest outing has been a box office dud, and fans cannot help but feel sorry for the actor. Since the film’s run ended, many took to social media to express their disappointment.
Henry was barely in it but he’s the only thing people will talk about when this movie’s brought up
— Lo’ai ☆ 🇨🇦🍉 (@CrossoverNexus) March 10, 2024
That's a mega flop. Poor Henry first Superman now this.
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) March 10, 2024
Bare used Cena or Henry. Had less than a 20min section. They were basically extras
— Jason G (@jasonwiththegun) March 10, 2024
Damn, Henry just can’t catch a break
— Evan 👑 (@DevilOfWestview) March 10, 2024
After three back-to-back failures, Apple TV+ executives have a lot to ponder. How long can the mega-corporation sustain such high-budget films with no payoff?
