Despite the dismal box office performance of “Madame Web,” Netflix is still pushing the film to premiere on May 14th on its streaming platform in the United States. According to promotional materials, the spider web in the movie will bring Netflix users together again, sparking lively discussions and reactions among netizens. Some were amused while others felt threatened, with some even considering canceling their Netflix subscription.
“Madame Web” was released in February this year and proved to be a box office flop for Sony as a superhero film. In early May, Netflix reached a distribution agreement with Sony for “Madame Web,” releasing it exclusively on the U.S. version of its streaming platform, with no confirmed release date for other countries yet. The official statement from Netflix stated, “Her spider web will bring all of us… together again.” The official announcement appeared in major media headlines and online, prompting various reactions from netizens.
Many netizens responded to the official statement with comments like, “Is this a threat?” “No, thanks.” “Thank you for letting me know, I will definitely uninstall Netflix that day.” “This seems like a threat.” “Unsubscribe!!!.” “I don’t understand your business model. Why purchase bad movies… why?”
However, there were also netizens who became interested because of rumors that the movie was so bad that it became intriguing. Comments like, “The movie is so bad that it’s actually interesting.” “I will give this movie a chance on this date.” “I heard it’s the worst movie ever, I must see it. (crying-laughing emoji)”
On April 30th, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment officially released “Madame Web” in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions, as well as offering a limited edition 4K Blu-ray iron box collector’s edition, which includes special content such as funny clips and many deleted scenes never seen by the audience. In Taiwan, the film has already been released on online streaming platforms like CATCHPLAY+.
With a production budget of 80 million USD, “Madame Web” only grossed 100.3 million USD worldwide at the box office, not only suffering from poor box office returns but also receiving dismal reviews. On the review aggregator website “Rotten Tomatoes,” it received an abysmal 11% approval rating from critics and a low 57% audience score. On the CinemaScore website, it received a low C+ rating.