Madame Web star Dakota Johnson has embraced the film’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s biggest flops, joking about its dismal box office performance during a recent public appearance. The actress, whose 2024 superhero spinoff was widely panned by critics and audiences alike, used self-deprecating humor to address the movie’s commercial failure while acknowledging that it has yet to turn a profit.
“The last time I was here I was promoting a movie called Madame Web, thank you,” Johnson said to muted applause. “And tonight I’m still promoting it because the movie still hasn’t made any money yet.” The remark drew laughter from the audience as Johnson leaned into the film’s notorious status in Hollywood.
A Box Office Bomb with Long-Lasting Consequences
Madame Web, which premiered in February 2024, has become a byword for cinematic misfire. The film grossed $100.5 million at the box office against a production budget of $100 million, though analysts note that when distributor fees and marketing costs are factored in, the picture is widely believed to have lost money. It was met with overwhelming critical disdain, earning just a 10% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming the subject of widespread online memes.
The film’s reputation has only worsened over time, as it swept up three Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Actress for Johnson herself. The movie joins an already shaky roster of Sony superhero films that also includes Morbius and Venom 3 in discussions about poorly received comic book adaptations.
How Madame Web Compares to Hollywood’s Biggest Flops
While the film clearly underperformed, it falls far short of ranking among Hollywood’s worst box office bombs. Disney’s John Carter remains widely regarded as the biggest commercial failure in cinema history, reportedly losing up to $200 million. Disney’s The Lone Ranger lost approximately $190 million, while The Marvels—Sony’s own recent entry into the superhero genre—lost a similar amount and stands as the worst-performing comic book movie ever made.
Madame Web avoided that particular distinction largely because it was considerably cheaper to produce than its predecessors. The film’s relatively modest budget meant that even with disappointing returns, it did not sink to the depths occupied by films like John Carter or The Marvels in terms of financial losses.
“Madame Web has the makings of an interesting hybrid,” we wrote in IGN’s Madame Web review. “But with a script overcrowded with extraneous characters, basic archetypes, and generic dialogue, it fails the talent and the future of its onscreen Spider-Women.”
IGN
The film received a middling score of 5/10 from IGN’s critics, reflecting the general consensus that while the project had potential, it ultimately failed to deliver on its premise. The crowded narrative and underdeveloped characters drew particular criticism from reviewers.
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe Under Scrutiny
The film’s failure has prompted broader questions about Sony’s approach to its live-action Spider-Man spinoff films. Earlier this year, Sony Pictures boss Tom Rothman acknowledged that “the audience wasn’t satisfied enough” with these movies, which have struggled to find their footing since 2018.
The current roster began with Hardy’s Venom in 2018 and includes Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Morbius, Madame Web, Venom: The Last Dance, and the upcoming Kraven the Hunter. Sony had once envisioned integrating Spider-Man into these villain-led spinoffs, though that ambitious crossover plan never materialized.
The studio now faces pressure to recalibrate its strategy for these standalone films, which have struggled to connect with audiences despite featuring popular characters from the comics. The mixed reception of Madame Web has only intensified scrutiny over whether Sony’s approach to expanding its Spider-Man universe is working.
Looking Ahead
As Johnson continues to move on from her Madame Web experience, the film remains a cautionary tale in modern Hollywood about the risks of superhero fatigue and audience expectations. While the actress has clearly embraced humor around the movie’s failure, Sony faces an uncertain future as it attempts to rebuild confidence in its Spider-Man universe.
The studio’s upcoming releases, including Venom: The Last Dance and Kraven the Hunter, will be closely watched to determine whether audiences are willing to give these characters another chance. For now, Madame Web stands as a stark reminder of how quickly a superhero film can fall from grace in an increasingly discerning market.
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