Despite being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thunderbolts felt like reheated leftovers from stories that concluded years ago. Fans found it entertaining but lacking a fresh identity, highlighting possible superhero fatigue as audiences show less interest in familiar franchises without innovation.
Snow White (Disney)
Disney’s Snow White struggled to resonate due to its split tone: half a faithful recreation of the 1937 cartoon, half a subversive modern twist. Controversy over casting choices and the actors’ political views overshadowed the release, leaving the film unable to overcome negative publicity.
Mickey 17 (Warner Bros)
Anticipation was high for Bong Joon Ho’s follow-up to Parasite, but long delays and unmet expectations left audiences disappointed. Critics cited a lack of clear identity and a confusing story, which caused the film to lose the buzz that had built up for years.
After the Hunt
This MeToo-themed drama, starring Julia Roberts and directed by Luca Guadagnino, was criticized for its sprawling narrative, excessive subplots, and long runtime. Its television-series-like structure failed to attract cinema audiences accustomed to more concise storytelling.
Christy
Sydney Sweeney led this biopic about boxer Christy Martin, but social media fame did not translate into mainstream cinema success. Controversy over the actor’s past advertising campaigns may have further deterred viewers, demonstrating that niche or independent projects face challenges in wide release.
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Attempting to revive a 1990s horror franchise, this sequel failed to capture the excitement of Scream or Final Destination. Without iconic visuals or social-media-friendly moments, audiences were less motivated to revisit a story from decades ago.
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Focusing on a narrow slice of Bruce Springsteen’s life, this drama lacked the energy and narrative arc audiences expect from music biopics. The subdued approach made it difficult for viewers to connect emotionally or feel invested in the story.
Elio (Pixar)
Originally a personal sci-fi story from Adrian Molina, Elio suffered from leadership changes mid-production. The resulting narrative felt muddled and lacked a compelling reason for audiences to care about the protagonist or stakes.
M3GAN 2.0
Unlike the first film, which was a viral suburban horror hit, the sequel ventured into geopolitical action and changed the tone dramatically. Fans of the original were alienated, showing how shifting genres too far from audience expectations can backfire.
The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson attempted a serious dramatic role alongside Emily Blunt, but audiences expecting his usual charisma were unprepared for a depressing sports biopic. While critically interesting, the film didn’t align with his established fanbase’s desires.
