Despite Marvel and DC dominating the superhero genre, attempts by others to enter this market continue, including the Sylvester Stallone superhero movie Samaritan. Released initially on Prime Video in August 2022, the film stars Stallone in the lead role as Joe Smith, a trash collector with a secret past as a long-lost superhero. After struggling at the box office and receiving mixed reviews, Samaritan is now available for free streaming on Tubi, offering fans a chance to see Stallone’s take on superhero fame.
The Plot and Central Characters of Samaritan
Joe Smith, portrayed by Stallone, leads a quiet life in Granite City until his world shifts when he intervenes to protect his young neighbor, Sam, from a violent group of boys. Through this act, Joe reveals himself as Samaritan, a superhero believed dead. The story follows Sam’s efforts to draw Joe back into fighting crime, suggesting that some hope still remains amidst the chaos. Javon Walton plays Sam, while the film also features supporting roles by Pilou Asbæk, Dascha Polanco, and Moisés Arias.
Critical Reception and Where Samaritan Stands
Despite Stallone’s star power, Samaritan failed to impress critics, earning only a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasting sharply with a stronger 70% approval from audiences. The involvement of Julius Avery as director and the source material from Mythos Comics writers Bragi F. Schut, Marc Olivent, and Renzo Podesta did not translate into critical success. With its release focusing on streaming platforms rather than theaters, the film was unable to compete with the dominance of Marvel and DC franchises, even though fans had high hopes for Stallone’s superhero debut.
Why Samaritan Struggled and What’s Next for Sylvester Stallone
Samaritan’s struggle highlights the challenges faced by new superhero stories entering a market saturated by established giants. While Stallone’s previous roles, including his appearances in Guardians of the Galaxy, gave him a foothold in the genre, leading a superhero movie was a different challenge. The film’s lower critical reception indicates unmet expectations and difficulty carving out a fresh superhero identity. However, its availability on Tubi gives viewers a chance to engage with the movie at no cost, potentially revitalizing interest. For Stallone, the release on free streaming platforms might be a stepping stone for future projects, though whether it will lead to renewed superhero ventures remains uncertain.
“Samaritan is a massive miss for critics, who gave it a 38% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.” – Critics
