Sydney Sweeney was riding high last year with hits like Anyone But You and Immaculate, but her latest film, Christy, is expected to bring in less than $2 million this weekend. This would mark her third consecutive movie to underperform at the box office.
Christy is a biopic about Christy Martin, a trailblazing female boxing champion. Despite star power, including Ben Foster and Merritt Wever, the reception has been mixed, with a modest 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics were lukewarm, but audiences praised Sweeney’s “phenomenal” performance, even if they didn’t flock to theaters.
The film’s challenge is that it lacks broad appeal. Many viewers are opting to wait for streaming releases instead of heading out to theaters. This shift poses a serious problem for box office numbers, especially for films that could be streaming soon after their theatrical debut.
When looking back at Sweeney’s year, 2023 began with promise. After her successes in series like Euphoria, her movie career took off with Anyone But You, which grossed an impressive $218.9 million. However, her next few releases—Americana and Eden—flopped spectacularly. Americana made under $500,000 against a $9 million budget, while Eden only earned $2.5 million of its $35 million budget.
Adding to her struggles, Sweeney faced backlash over a controversial ad campaign with American Eagle. Her recent venture into selling bathwater-infused soap also drew criticism online, complicating her public image.
Looking ahead, Sweeney hopes for a turnaround with The Housemaid, set to release in December. It will face tough competition from Avatar: Fire and Ash, yet it may offer viewers something fresh and appealing.
Interestingly, the film industry as a whole is experiencing a significant shift toward streaming. A recent survey from the Motion Picture Association revealed that over 80% of households subscribe to a streaming service. This changing landscape means that even star-studded films may struggle to fill theaters, signaling a potentially tough road ahead for both new and established actors.
For more on the shifting dynamics in film and how it affects box office outcomes, you can check out this report from the Motion Picture Association.
