Suicide Squad’s Record-Breaking Debut Leaves Jared Leto and Critics Unimpressed
The latest supervillain flick, Suicide Squad, has shattered box office records, raking in a staggering $135.1 million during its Los Angeles debut. Despite receiving critical reviews, the film’s sales figures have crushed its competitors. The star-studded cast has also seen impressive earnings, with Will Smith’s role in Suicide Squad netting him $94.3 million, surpassing his I Am Legend earnings of $77.2 million back in 2007.
However, not all stars were satisfied with the final cut. Jared Leto expressed his disappointment with Suicide Squad in an interview with Forbes, commenting on the fact that many of his scenes were left on the cutting room floor. Leto stated:
Being the Joker isn’t just about smiling and laughing maniacally. This film was supposed to be a real introduction of my character into the DC Universe, and of course, I would have loved for him to be more fleshed out. We shot so much material, and I wonder: was there a single scene that wasn’t cut?
The public’s reaction to the villain-led film has been impressive not only in America but also internationally. Including sales from other countries, the film grossed over $267 million during its premiere. Jeff Goldstein, Vice President of Warner Bros., had this to say:
The film exceeded our expectations. The marketing campaign was brilliant, and the cast was simply magnificent: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto were all extraordinary in their roles. The Suicide Squad characters are wicked fun, and the fans loved it.
The Most Anticipated Film of the Summer
Suicide Squad has rightfully earned its title as the most anticipated film of the summer. The trailer, released at last year’s Comic-Con, showcased the stunningly wicked duo of Jared Leto and Margot Robbie as the Joker and Harley Quinn. Despite the impressive cast and original plot concept, critics predicted the film’s failure. The Wall Street Journal wrote that Suicide Squad is “action that contradicts the very idea of spectacle.” New York’s called the film “the worst of the worst,” and MTV labeled it a “two-hour bore.” Clearly, audiences enjoyed the film more than critics did, especially those aged 18 and above.
Box Office Success and Future Prospects
The question today is not about the film’s deafening premiere success but its ability to maintain a top position in the long run. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, like Suicide Squad, received negative reviews despite decent premiere earnings. However, despite grossing $166 million on its first day, the film didn’t last two weeks in theaters.
The highly anticipated premiere of the supervillain film has negatively impacted other movies released simultaneously. The film Nine Lives, starring Kevin Spacey as a man who turns into a cat, only managed to gross $6.5 million.
Why Did Audiences Love Suicide Squad?
Several factors contributed to the film’s massive success:
- Unique Plot: The concept of a team of supervillains forced to work together was fresh and intriguing.
- Star-Studded Cast: The ensemble cast, featuring Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto, attracted a wide audience.
- Marketing Campaign: The promotional efforts were innovative and engaging, generating significant buzz.
- Character Appeal: The characters’ wicked and fun personalities resonated with fans, particularly the younger demographic.
In conclusion, Suicide Squad‘s record-breaking debut demonstrates the power of a unique concept, star appeal, and effective marketing. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film’s success with audiences proves that sometimes, the people’s choice prevails.
