Director Gareth Edwards, known for his work on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, recently made a return to the world of science fiction with his latest film, The Creator. However, despite the anticipation surrounding its release, the movie has received a lukewarm response at the box office.
The Creator is set in the year 2070 and depicts a war between humanity and artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, the film has not been able to make a significant impact commercially, earning only $64.4 million worldwide so far. This is particularly disappointing considering its reported production budget of $80 million.
During an interview on CinemaBlend’s ReelBlend podcast, Edwards addressed the underwhelming box office numbers and the film’s potential for longevity. He mentioned that while he was disappointed with its performance, he acknowledged that many films now considered classics, such as It’s a Wonderful Life and John Carpenter’s The Thing, also struggled at the box office initially.
One of the main inspirations for The Creator was Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, a beloved and critically acclaimed sci-fi film. Edwards expressed his hope that The Creator would someday be held in the same regard as Blade Runner and other sci-fi classics.
Despite the film’s current reception, Edwards remains grateful for the opportunity to bring The Creator to the world. He highlighted the challenges faced during its production, including his own battle with COVID-19, which led to a strange finish line for the film.
As for the future of The Creator, it remains to be seen whether it will achieve the same level of recognition and success as the films that inspired it. Currently, the movie can be watched in theaters, and it is expected to be available for streaming on Hulu by the end of the year or early 2024.
In addition to its box office performance, The Creator has garnered attention for its breathtaking sequences, such as the LAX sequence, and its innovative camera rig that allowed for unique shooting locations. These aspects have added to the film’s appeal, despite its mixed critical reception.
Overall, while The Creator may not have achieved the desired commercial success, its impact and legacy are yet to be determined. With its intriguing premise and nods to sci-fi classics, it has the potential to become a cult favorite in the future.
For more information about The Creator and its development, you can listen to Gareth Edwards’ full interview on the ReelBlend podcast.