Overview
- The film earned about $8 million in the U.S. and roughly $20 million worldwide in its opening, a total many observers call a commercial failure for a movie of its scale.
- Industry estimates place production costs at a minimum of $125 million and as high as $160 million, meaning opening receipts covered only a small fraction of the budget.
- Critical and audience response is mixed, with roughly half of critics positive on aggregate sites, a CinemaScore of C+ and modest audience recommendation rates reported by PostTrak.
- Tom Cruise publicly defended the film and expressed pride in the project even as awards prospects and box-office momentum are being reevaluated.
- Analysts say the weak start raises immediate studio concerns for Warner Bros. during its merger with Paramount Skydance and adds to debate over Iñárritu’s turn toward large, excess‑driven filmmaking.