While it is just a tad too early to declare Blade Runner 2049 a certified dud, all indications suggest that its North American theatrical run will not be a remarkable one.
Pulling in just about 13 million dollars Friday, set against 2049’s staggering 185 million dollar price tag, it’s clear at this juncture that the film is bombing. The film, which shadows its predecessor in both narrative and atmosphere, is now even mimicking the disparity between Blade Runner’s critical and commercial receptions. Despite the throng of think pieces dedicated to the matter, the effect review aggregating sites have on audiences isn’t always consistent or predictable.
There have been so many good signs early on this year that would have you believe sites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic have given audiences the tools to preemptively rebuff cynical cash grabs like Baywatch, and embrace underdog hits like Get Out.
The commercial failures of Blade Runner 2049 and Life complicate this particular aspect of the word-of-mouth phenomenon, but they’re not completely indictments of the taste of the average movie goer. In fact, as a self-righteous curmudgeon, part of me is excited at the prospect of 2049 underperforming at the box office, despite having enjoyed the film quite a bit.
There’s something inspiring about the idea of audiences saying: “We don’t care how beautifully presented, we’re are simply not interested in seeing your unnecessary sequel to a divisive sci fi noir flick from thirty years ago. Perhaps franchise apathy is occurring quicker than we thought.
From a distance, quality notwithstanding, Blade Runner 2049 stinks of sentimental indulgence. Harrison Ford has become the poster boy for the perfunctory rehash era, and I like to think audiences are wising up.
This could very easily be wishful delusion on my part. Taking into account the underwhelming box office performance of the original film back in 1982, it might just be that the rebellion against franchise slop I’m envisioning is simply an audience chorus of: boring! Both the original Blade Runner and 2049 are decidedly slow and atmospheric, two qualities that generally don’t track well with modern audiences.
Interestingly enough, 2049’s slow, brooding pace has been present in the majority of praise that preceded the film’s release. Maybe this played a role in the commercial apathy that is currently dogging it.
What do you think is responsible for Blade Runner 2049’s lackluster box office run? Let us know in the comments.
