Bryce Dallas Howard has played significant roles in many popular Hollywood productions, whether as an actress (the “Jurassic World” trilogy grossed over $1 billion globally for each film) or as a director (she’s directed episodes for series like “The Mandalorian” from the Star Wars universe). However, she’s also faced some challenging times with financial disappointments at the box office, such as with “Argylle” and “The Lady in the Water.” Yet, these outcomes didn’t catch her off guard.
Howard recently explained to The Independent that she could usually predict film failures. She’s never been taken aback when something doesn’t succeed. As an actor, my role is to fulfill the director’s vision. If a movie doesn’t meet expectations, it’s hard to feel disheartened because it’s not my project. I’m not the one constructing it.
Unlike the situation with the director, it’s not true that Howard’s father reacts similarly. Howard has shared that she has witnessed her Oscar-winning filmmaker father, Ron Howard, become visibly upset when one of his films underperforms, and she finds it astonishing that she doesn’t react in the same way.
In 1992, when Ron’s romantic film “Far and Away,” starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, flopped at the cinema, Howard recalled his father seeking guidance from Clint Eastwood on how to deal with cinematic setbacks.
I’d like to share an analogy that resonated with me: “A career is similar to a season of television shows. In this metaphor, each episode represents a stage in your career. Some of these stages may not be as successful or memorable, but they serve a purpose. Perhaps about five out of the twenty-four stages will stand out as particularly strong and enduring.
Last year, Howard experienced one of her biggest disappointments with “Argylle,” a $200 million star-packed spy comedy directed by Matthew Vaughn from “Kingsman.” In this film, Howard played a spy novelist who is drawn into a genuine espionage operation. Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, and others joined the cast. However, despite the impressive lineup, “Argylle” failed to impress at the box office, earning only $96 million globally.
Indeed, it was a thrill,” I admitted when Empire inquired last summer about the harsh reviews of “Argylle” leaving me disheartened. “Our test screenings had gone remarkably well. The premiere was an exhilarating event, reminiscent of the ‘Snatch’ days filled with such enthusiasm. I let myself be swept away by the excitement and indulged in the Kool-Aid. I believed this movie was fun, upbeat – a joy to watch. We didn’t aim for ‘Citizen Kane,’ but boy, did I expect a positive response. However, when the reviews rolled in, I was taken aback. I asked myself, ‘What have I done to upset these critics?’ Their reactions were harsh. I’m not saying the movie is flawless, but I didn’t anticipate it being offensive. That caught me off guard.
“Argylle” is available to stream on Apple TV+.
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2025-06-11 17:47