The anticipation for Sony’s “Madame Web” turned sour as the film’s trailer buzz dwindled, and advance ticket sales remained lackluster. With the recent release of critical reviews, which gave the film the lowest average Rotten Tomatoes score (13 percent) of any major superhero movie in nearly a decade, the studio found itself facing a significant setback.
The disappointing performance of “Madame Web” is not just a blow to Sony’s Spider-Man spinoff plans; it also disrupts the studio’s ambitions for a new franchise. Despite hopes to establish a series led by star Dakota Johnson, the film’s poor reception dashes any prospects of a continuation. Additionally, the collapse of “Madame Web” undermines the potential for spin-off characters introduced in the movie to form a team of Spider-Women, as initially envisioned.
This failure adds to the broader challenges facing the superhero genre, with a noticeable trend of underperforming live-action comic book movies in recent years. The concept of “superhero fatigue” has become increasingly acknowledged within the industry, complicating efforts by Marvel, DC, and Sony to launch new franchises.
“Madame Web” attempted to offer a fresh take on the superhero narrative, presenting a grounded suspense thriller with a focus on female empowerment. However, despite its innovative approach, the film failed to resonate with audiences.
The disappointment surrounding “Madame Web” reflects a larger uncertainty within the industry regarding the future of superhero movies. As studios navigate this transitional phase, characterized by shifting audience preferences and market dynamics, the outlook remains uncertain.
Despite the setback, Sony’s movie chief, Tom Rothman, continues to steer the studio through notable successes, such as the acclaimed Spider-Verse series and the lucrative Venom franchise. While “Madame Web” may not have delivered the desired results, its bold attempt to break the superhero mold ensures that it will be remembered, even if as a cautionary tale, in Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.
