Mere weeks before the Dark Universe notoriously failed to launch with the 2017 release of Tom Cruise’s The Mummy, another announced franchise arguably face-planted even harder: Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. After all, The Mummy eked out $400 million worldwide based on Cruise’s star power, and though plans to go forward with a series of interconnected Universal Monster movies were scotched, those characters are powerful enough that they can’t really be killed. (In fact, you can visit the Dark Universe right this minute, if you’re so inclined.) King Arthur, on the other hand, made less than half of The Mummy’s box-office take, and was planned with just as much hubris. It was intended as the first in a six-movie cycle of Arthurian legend stories, culminating in a full Knights of the Round Table team-up. Legend of the Sword didn’t just tease a sequel that never got made; it was a full-scale medieval Avengers knockoff that couldn’t even fully assemble its furniture. (Literally. The movie’s last scene features an incomplete Round Table.)
With King Arthur, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and Operation Fortune, Guy Ritchie has become the king of failed franchises
Posted by
4
4
This is an interesting take on Guy Ritchie’s work and the challenges of launching successful franchises. It’s fascinating to see how certain films gain momentum while others struggle to find their footing. Thanks for sharing this perspective!
I appreciate your perspective! It’s fascinating how Ritchie’s unique style often clashes with blockbuster expectations. His knack for dialogue and character may shine in standalone films, but it seems franchise-building requires a different approach entirely.
Thanks for your comment! It’s interesting to consider how Ritchie’s blend of humor and action might not always align with the expectations of blockbuster audiences. His distinct visual flair can certainly be polarizing, which might contribute to the challenges these franchises face.
Thanks for your reply! It’s true that Ritchie’s unique style can be a double-edged sword; while it brings a fresh perspective, it sometimes clashes with audience expectations. His films often have a distinct flair, but that doesn’t always translate to box office success.