SDCC 2024: Madame Web Producer Reflects on Box Office Flop, “Like an Ax in Your Head”

SDCC 2024: Madame Web Producer Reflects on Box Office Flop, "Like an Ax in Your Head"

As a long-time gamer and avid Marvel fan, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment when yet another superhero film underperforms, especially one as highly anticipated as “Madame Web.” I was eagerly looking forward to seeing the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine on the big screen, but instead, we got a spinoff from Sony that didn’t quite hit the mark.


Marvel is releasing one of its most highly-anticipated films this week, featuring Deadpool and Wolverine, marking a positive turn for the MCU following some underperforming movies. The Spider-Man universe also experienced a setback with Sony’s Madame Web receiving lackluster reception at the box office and from critics. However, the film has gained traction on Netflix, reviving conversations about its unique offerings. In an exclusive interview with ComicBook’s Brandon Davis, Madame Web producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura opened up about producing Transformers One but also shared his candid feelings about the challenges of creating a film that fails to resonate with audiences or financially, describing it as “a painful blow, like an ax to the head.”

Not The Greatest Feeling

SDCC 2024: Madame Web Producer Reflects on Box Office Flop, "Like an Ax in Your Head"

When brought up Madame Web’s streaming reception, Bonaventura was questioned about potential future appearances of those characters. “I have no clue,” Bonaventura replied. “I truly don’t know,” he added, sharing that it was a disappointing experience for him in theaters. Asked how it feels when a project underperforms or fails to resonate with fans as anticipated, Bonaventura described it as “feeling like an axe being wielded against my head.”

“In my opinion, one of the challenges with streaming is measuring success or failure. The disappointment of a movie not working during its opening weekend can be harsh and unforgettable, as Bonaventura explained, likening it to getting hit on the side of the head. Consequently, I aim to choose projects that minimize such experiences.”

Internet Culture and Social Media Reception

SDCC 2024: Madame Web Producer Reflects on Box Office Flop, "Like an Ax in Your Head"

As someone who has been involved in the film industry for quite some time, I’ve come to realize that there are always multiple perspectives when it comes to a project’s success or failure. And the case of the recent “Madame Web” film is no exception. I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredibly talented team on this production, and I cannot express enough how much I believed in the potential of this film.

“Things can succeed or fail. People may think they can tell which will happen, but in reality, it’s unpredictable. A post can go viral on TikTok unexpectedly, while another with potential may not take off. It’s a combination of doing something worthwhile and timing it right. I’m not afraid of failure and I don’t let others’ negative opinions discourage me.”

“I deeply appreciated ‘Madame Web.’ I found the film engaging and was impressed with every actor’s performance. I believe director S.J. Clarkson excelled in her role, which is why I was drawn to the project. If not for today’s internet culture and its penchant for turning everything into a joke, I believe the public response would have been more positive. This aspect disappoints me, even in projects I’ve been involved with.”

An Important Step

SDCC 2024: Madame Web Producer Reflects on Box Office Flop, "Like an Ax in Your Head"

Sydney Sweeney, another actor involved, views the project positively despite its bumpy launch. While hosting SNL shortly following the film’s major promotion, she didn’t shy away from poking fun at the rocky start. Nevertheless, Sweeney considers the experience a positive one, as it led to the formation of a strong relationship with Sony, which will continue to benefit her in future collaborations.

In simple terms, Sweeney explained to GQ that the film “Madame Web” served as a crucial stepping stone in his professional journey, enabling him to forge connections with Sony executives. Without having worked on that project, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to interact with the key decision-makers there. All of his career choices are not merely driven by the stories themselves but also by thoughtful business considerations. By taking on “Madame Web,” Sweeney was able to sell “Anyone But You” and secure the role in “Barbarella.”

Madame Web is currently streaming on Netflix.

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2024-07-26 04:39