Overview

• Steven Soderbergh's espionage thriller Black Bag grossed $40 million on a $50 million budget, remaining unprofitable in theaters but expected to turn a profit through ancillary markets like VOD and airline licensing.
• The film's muted box office performance has raised concerns within the industry about the viability of mid-budget, star-driven films aimed at adult audiences.
• Soderbergh criticized the lack of theatrical attendance among viewers over 25, calling it a troubling trend for filmmakers specializing in character-driven dramas.
• The director noted that many of his past films, such as Erin Brockovich and Traffic, would struggle to get greenlit today without a major star like Timothée Chalamet attached.
• Industry executives have reportedly questioned what Black Bag's underperformance means for the future of similar projects, signaling a potential shift away from adult-oriented cinema in theaters.