The much-discussed Henry Cavill Argylle box office disaster reached a definitive low point this week when the $200 million film fell out of Apple TV+’s top streaming ranks, months after floundering in theaters. Originally positioned as the debut of a bold new franchise for Cavill, Argylle’s disappointing run comes to a quiet end with dwindling viewer interest on streaming platforms.
How Argylle Failed to Launch Despite Star Power
Helmed by Matthew Vaughn, known for the Kingsman series, Argylle was intended as a globe-spanning spy adventure to introduce Cavill at its helm. The studio poured significant resources into the production, with expectations of building a successful franchise. However, those hopes quickly faded as Argylle only managed to bring in $96.2 million globally, falling drastically short of its budget.
The film boasted an all-star cast including Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, and John Cena. Despite this impressive lineup and Apple’s heavy promotional push, the movie failed to connect with critics and didn’t generate meaningful audience excitement. Reviews were notably divided, with Rotten Tomatoes rating Argylle at just 33% among critics and 70% with audiences, reflecting a lukewarm overall response.
Candid Reactions from the Cast and Creative Team
In an interview with The Independent, Bryce Dallas Howard addressed the film’s fate with uncommon openness, suggesting the cast had a sense of what was coming during production. She said,
“You can always see it coming while you’re making it,”
—Bryce Dallas Howard, Actor. Howard further reflected on the limited control actors have over a film’s eventual impact:
“I’ve never been shocked when something doesn’t work. But I’m just an actor – you’re there to serve a director’s vision. If a movie doesn’t turn out the way that you envisioned, you can barely feel disappointed because it’s not yours. You’re not the person who’s building the thing.”
—Bryce Dallas Howard, Actor.
Howard also drew a contrast between herself and her father, director Ron Howard, revealing he takes box office setbacks much harder.
“He breaks down emotionally when his films don’t do well. He can’t understand why I’m not the same. But I’ve just let that go.”
—Bryce Dallas Howard, Actor.
Future Projects for Henry Cavill After Argylle
Looking ahead, Henry Cavill is not slowing down despite Argylle’s lackluster performance. His next role will see him leading a live-action adaptation of the classic animated series Voltron. The film, recently wrapped and guided by Red Notice director Rawson Marshall Thurber, also features Sterling K. Brown and Alba Baptista. Yet, industry reports suggest Voltron could go straight to streaming via Amazon, rather than a theatrical release, highlighting possible studio nervousness following Argylle’s results.
Cavill is also set to star in Highlander alongside Russell Crowe, with Chad Stahelski directing. These projects will test whether Cavill’s star power can find firmer footing in a landscape shaped by audience expectations and studio risk management.
The Lingering Impact on Cast, Studio, and Streaming
Argylle’s steep drop from Apple TV+’s top 10, especially after such an aggressive marketing campaign, signals the end of Apple’s ambitions for the title as a franchise starter. With so many industry heavyweights involved—including Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, and Dua Lipa—Argylle’s inability to garner significant traction stands as a stark warning for studios relying on star power and high budgets alone.
For viewers curious about the Henry Cavill Argylle box office disaster, the movie remains available to stream on Apple TV+. Its reception, both in theaters and now on streaming, may affect how platforms and producers approach ensemble spy thrillers and major franchises in the future.
