If you’re Hollywood – or putting yourself into their uncomfortable shoes – you probably think Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga should have been a sure thing. Living in an exclusive bubble, you would be wrong, of course.
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Audiences are tired of “strong female characters” as modern Tinseltown defines them, and it can’t be denied that they are rebelling. Furiosa isn’t the worst offender as George Miller delivers complex characters and a decent story, but the picture is caught in a trend being seen across the board.
Fans are no longer pleased with the writing or creative directions of Star Wars, Marvel, and Doctor Who to name a few – in some cases because they were told to and are complying. There are other factors at play, but this phenomenon is a big contributor.
However, as there is room for nuanced analysis, there are those giving that endeavor the old college try. YouTube personality Just Some Guy believes there is more to the failure of Furiosa, which he outlined in a recent video essay.
JSG points out that Furiosa also suffers from being released almost ten years after Mad Max: Fury Road. With that film far in the rearview despite how acclaimed it is, the former is too late to the finish line to reap the rewards.
He observes, “The time to make the prequel was then [sooner rather than later once Fury Road had grossed $380 million].” Furiosa might have done exponentially better in 2017 or ‘18 instead of “crashing and burning as hard as it did.”
He adds that the character isn’t much of a Mary Sue based on reviews he’s read and that before Fury Road, Mad Max sequels underperformed at theaters compared to the first one. The fourth installment’s success had a lot to do with timing and repeat success is typically elusive.
Quicker turnaround from theaters to streaming may have also made potential ticket buyers “iffy” about shelling out for a feature when prices are high and it will be on streaming within a few months.
JSG closes by saying there’s “no rhyme or reason” why a film like Barbie is profitable and everything else fails in the current climate (which is quite debatable). Either way, what’s going on at the box office doesn’t look good for the industry.
