Ridley Scott’s 2005 historical epic, Kingdom of Heaven, is finding a fresh audience through streaming platforms after initially underperforming at the box office. The film, starring Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson, depicts the journey of Balian of Ibelin to Jerusalem during the Crusades in the 12th century. Currently available exclusively on Starz in the United States, Kingdom of Heaven is also making waves globally, ranking in the PVOD top 10 in Italy and several other countries.
Reviving Interest in Ridley Scott’s Historical Epic
Orlando Bloom, widely recognized for his role as Legolas in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, leads Kingdom of Heaven as Balian. Fans keenly watch for his possible return in the upcoming LotR-related film, The Hunt for Gollum. Michael Sheen, known for his Emmy-nominated performance in The Special Relationship, features prominently alongside Eva Green and Martin Hancock. Green is especially noted for her part as Vesper in Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s first outing as James Bond in 2006.
Written by William Monahan and directed by Ridley Scott, Kingdom of Heaven arrived a few years after Scott’s critically acclaimed Gladiator, which stars Russell Crowe and remains a streaming favorite on Paramount+. Despite its star power and $130 million budget, Kingdom of Heaven received mixed reviews from critics, holding a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences gave it a more positive 72% on Popcornmeter. The film grossed $214 million worldwide, a modest return compared to its production costs.
Upcoming Ridley Scott Film Scheduled for Late Summer Release
Ridley Scott is currently preparing The Dog Stars, set to debut in theaters on August 28. Originally slated for a March release, the film’s premiere was postponed by five months to allow additional post-production work. Featuring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin as leads, joined by Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce, the story follows a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by survivors known as the Reapers. Elordi portrays Hig, the central protagonist navigating this dangerous environment.
Kingdom of Heaven Returns to Audiences Worldwide
The streaming resurgence of Kingdom of Heaven offers a second chance for audiences to appreciate Scott’s ambitious project, blending history and action through a visually rich narrative set in Jerusalem during the Crusades. As viewers revisit the film on Starz and international PVOD platforms, its evolving reception hints at how streaming can redefine a movie’s legacy years after its initial release.
“Be sure to check out Kingdom of Heaven on Starz in America, and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.” – Unattributed
