Disappointing Box Office: Marvel Favorite’s Bold Remake of a 1989 Black Comedy Falls Flat

Sometimes, when actors are known for iconic roles, like superheroes, it can be hard for audiences to see them as someone new. Take Benedict Cumberbatch, for instance. He’s famous for playing Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, he has also taken on various roles in films and TV, like Sherlock Holmes and Alan Turing. His latest movie, The Roses, released on August 29, 2025, hasn’t quite taken off at the box office just yet.

In its opening weekend, The Roses made about $2.4 million. That number has since climbed to around $6.5 million, according to The Numbers. While this might seem low considering Cumberbatch’s star power, films often take time to gain traction.

To put this in perspective, the original The Roses, released in 1989, earned $9.5 million initially. The updated version, directed by Jay Roach, is projected to finish its opening weekend around $7.35 million. Though the gap seems small, inflation hasn’t been factored in, which could explain some of the difference in earnings.

The Roses spins the tale of Theo Rose (Cumberbatch) and Ivy Rose (Olivia Colman), a couple who appear picture-perfect but are really hiding serious issues beneath their smiles. As Theo’s career falters and Ivy’s ambitions grow, tensions rise. The Rotten Tomatoes synopsis captures this well: “Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites.”

The cast is impressive too. Andy Samberg plays Barry, the couple’s friend and divorce lawyer, while Kate McKinnon is Amy, Barry’s wife. Allison Janney portrays Ivy’s lawyer, Eleanor. The film’s screenplay was penned by Tony McNamara.

As of now, critics give The Roses a fair score of 65% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 77% on the Popcornmeter. Cumberbatch even referred to it as a “date night movie.” While it may not fit the typical romantic mold, it sparks conversation. As he told The Hollywood Reporter, it encourages couples to reflect on their own relationships, making it relatable in a humorous way.

A more recent survey revealed that 72% of moviegoers look for films that provoke dialogue between partners. This trend may explain why The Roses is seen as a discussion starter despite its mixed reviews.

Overall, while The Roses may be struggling at the box office right now, it provides a mix of humor and serious themes, making it worthwhile for viewers looking to explore the complexities of relationships.

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