Matthew Vaughn's expensive spy comedy was scorned by many critics and consumers alike Argyle bombed at the North American box office, the biggest failure yet for Apple's theatrical ambitions.
According to the sources, the theatrical release was estimated at $18 million, with a price tag of $200-250 million. The results were not much better abroad Argyle Opened to an estimated $17.3 million from 78 markets for a worldwide launch of $35.3 million. The good news: Thanks to the low competition, it won the weekend.
Since Apple is primarily one of the richest technology companies in the world, whose priority on the content side is streaming, its theatrical efforts are judged differently. If the old Hollywood studios released a $200 million movie with results like that, they would be finished
Universal distributes Argyle on behalf of Apple Original Films for a distribution fee.
ArgyleDirected from a script by Wonder WomanJason Fuchs tells the story of a best-selling spy author and cat-loving recluse whose quiet life is turned upside down when the plots of her books come to life.
Vaughn's realistic spy thriller doesn't lack for star power. The cast includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, Dua Lipa, Catherine O'Hara, Sofia Boutella and Samuel L. Jackson. Alfie the cat is played by Chip, the real-life pet of supermodel Claudia Vaughn (née Schiffer).
Argyle is Apple's third traditional theatrical release in recent months following Martin Scorsese's Oscar nomination Flower Moon Killer and Ridley Scott's Napoleon. Both films also cost $200 million or more to produce. Many in Hollywood think it's a good thing that Apple Original Films is throwing its hat in the ring because it means more movies will play on the big screen before streaming on Apple TV+.
Even if it's an award darling, Flower Moon Killer – which received ten Oscar nominations, the third most of all films behind it Oppenheimer (13) and Poor things (11) – Scorsese's epic grossed just $157.6 million at the global box office. Napoleon has done slightly better so far with $219.4 million (the latter film received three Oscar nominations).
The other new action at the domestic box office this weekend is a national special release of the Faith series The Chosen: Season 4, Episode-1-3. The producers of the successful streaming series initially wanted to make it available in cinemas. Episodes four, five and six will be in theaters later this month. Fathom Events will handle the processing The chosen ones in cinemas in his most extensive release to date.
The series exceeded expectations, coming in at No. 2 with an estimated $6.1 million for the three-day weekend. The official opening was Thursday, so the four-day launch took in $7.5 million.
Among the remnants is Warner Bros.' musical Wonka surpasses $200 million domestically as Paramount's musical Mean Girls tops $100 million in a vote of confidence for the oft-maligned genre.
Final gross receipts will be updated Monday morning.
There's more to come.
