Every Major Woke Actors Career Flop Explained in Detail

by

Many actors use their platform to discuss important social topics, but even famous stars experience career setbacks. This explores specific movies and shows that didn’t succeed, looking at the reasons – like when they were released, how they were marketed, or how they were distributed – and how those factors affected their performance with audiences and critics.

Chris Evans

Despite a large budget and the popularity of Pixar, ‘Lightyear’ didn’t perform as well as expected in theaters. Several factors contributed to this, including a different voice actor than the original ‘Toy Story’ films and bans in some countries. Also, families were still hesitant about going to movie theaters at the time. As a result, the film became available for streaming quickly, and Pixar began re-evaluating its plans for future sequels and related projects.

John Boyega

While ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ aimed to build on the success of the first film, it ultimately earned less money worldwide. Critics felt the story wasn’t as strong and that key people from the original movie weren’t as involved. This led to lower ticket sales both in the US and internationally, effectively ending plans for a third film. Although the movie gained some viewers through home video and television, it couldn’t recover its disappointing performance in theaters.

Kumail Nanjiani

I was really excited for ‘Eternals,’ but it seemed like the timing of its release wasn’t ideal, especially with theaters still bouncing back and it not even being shown in places like China. Honestly, people had pretty mixed reactions – some loved it, others found the story a bit slow or the overall feel different from other Marvel movies. That meant it didn’t get the same buzz as usual, and it didn’t perform as well at the box office as other films in the franchise. It’s a shame, but thankfully, it found a bigger audience when it started streaming, and more people discovered it that way. I’m hoping that increased viewership might lead to a sequel someday!

Mark Ruffalo

“Dark Waters” was a legal thriller based on a true story, aimed at adults. It started with a limited release in theaters and then expanded to more locations. While critics praised the film and it received award nominations, its box office numbers were relatively low because it played in few theaters and faced competition from big holiday movies. Ultimately, the film reached most viewers through streaming and other platforms after its theatrical run. Its success highlighted how difficult it is for smaller, serious dramas to thrive in wide release.

Daniel Kaluuya

Despite featuring a talented cast and premiering at a major film festival, ‘Widows’ didn’t perform as well as expected given its large budget. The advertising focused on a thrilling heist story, but the movie was actually more of a character-driven drama, making it hard to reach the right audience. Competition from big-name franchises also meant fewer high-quality screens were available, and it was difficult to attract repeat viewers. While the film received positive reviews and gained popularity on streaming services, its initial box office numbers were disappointing.

Dev Patel

While ‘The Green Knight’ was praised for its artistry, it mainly appealed to a niche audience. Releasing in the summer alongside blockbuster franchises hurt its performance in theaters, especially in premium formats. Its slow pace kept away many casual moviegoers, even though the trailer was shown frequently. The film found a loyal fanbase after it became available to rent or buy, with viewers enjoying it through repeat viewings and in-depth discussions.

Ben Platt

Despite its popularity on Broadway, the movie adaptation of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ received some criticism regarding its casting and how well the story translated to film. While the stage version was a hit, the movie didn’t perform as well in theaters. Critics pointed out that some elements didn’t quite work on screen, and box office numbers were disappointing. Ultimately, the film found a larger audience through streaming and on-demand services.

Chris Pine

“The Contractor” had a limited release in theaters and became available for digital rental quickly. Because of minimal marketing and a lot of other new movies coming out at the same time, not many people knew about it. Critics said the movie followed a predictable formula, so it didn’t feel like a must-see in cinemas. Ultimately, the film found its audience through streaming services, where more people discovered it over time.

Adam Driver

’65’ had a creative science fiction idea, but it struggled to gain traction in theaters because it was up against well-known franchises. Critics found the characters underdeveloped, and its short length didn’t give audiences much to talk about. While it did better internationally, that wasn’t enough to overcome a weak start in the US. Although more people discovered it after it left theaters, it ultimately wasn’t a box office success.

Michael B. Jordan

Instead of being released in theaters, ‘Without Remorse’ premiered directly on a streaming service as part of a pre-existing agreement. This meant the film focused on attracting and keeping subscribers rather than earning money at the box office, so traditional measures of success didn’t really apply. Critics had varying opinions on how well the story was told, especially considering it was based on a popular Tom Clancy series. As a result, plans for sequels were put on hold while the studio monitored how well the film performed on the streaming platform.

Chris Pratt

I was really excited when ‘The Terminal List’ first came out, and a lot of people seemed to tune in right away. But it definitely divided the critics – some loved it, others didn’t. Because it was a streaming show, its success wasn’t about how many people watched the first episode, but whether they stuck around and kept watching, and if people would come back for another season. It definitely got people talking, but those negative reviews made it tough to get any awards attention. Ultimately, I think the show’s real strength lies in it becoming something people enjoy watching again and again, rather than winning a lot of immediate praise.

Henry Cavill

Despite a big promotional push and a cast full of stars, ‘Argylle’ didn’t perform as well as hoped in its opening weekend. While the marketing suggested a fun, clever spy adventure, audiences didn’t continue to see it throughout the week. Critics and viewers had mixed reactions to the film’s style and plot twists, which hurt its buzz. To reach a wider audience, the film relied on being released on streaming and other platforms after its initial theatrical run.

Share the actor and project you think was the most surprising misfire in the comments.

Read More

2025-10-22 03:45