After making less than 20 million dollars last week in its opening weekend, Ghost in the Shell is already being labeled as a box office bomb but box office pundits. Even if the film performs well internationally, its projected to still lose Paramount 60 million dollars in the long run.
When a film bombs like this at the box office, executives look for someone or somewhere to point the finger. According to Paramount Domestic Distribution Chief Kyle Davies, that blame is pointed on its whitewashing controversy.
“We had hopes for better results domestically. I think the conversation regarding casting impacted the reviews.”
Ever since the announcement of The Ghost in the Shell, the film’s controversial casting of Scarlett Johansson has always been a topic of discussion. Many labeled it as whitewashing, while some defended the casting as the best possible actress to play the character. This controversy also effected The Great Wall, which bombed at the box office last month.
While that certainly didn’t help the film, saying its the primary reason why the film failed is a bit of an over-exsageration. Aside from anime fans, mainstream audiences for the most part had no clue about this brand or the universe. The advertisements did show a lot of grand visuals, but much of the world is painted looked pretty obscure compared to other mainstream blockbusters.
Also, the release date for this film was a poor one. To be sandwiched in-between Power Rangers, Logan, and the soon to be released Fate of the Furious is a tough feat to overcome for any blockbuster, let alone one with such an eccentric world.
Why do you think Ghost in the Shell bombed at the box office? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: CBC News