Scarlett Johansson‘s 2022 film, Fly Me to the Moon, faced a difficult reception after its theatrical release, despite the actress’s usual success in Hollywood. The romantic comedy, set against the backdrop of the Apollo 11 mission, starred Johansson alongside Channing Tatum but failed to attract a large audience during its initial run. With a production budget exceeding $100 million—and additional marketing expenses—it managed to earn only $42 million globally, including $9.4 million domestically, marking a significant financial setback for Sony Pictures.
Although the film’s box office performance was disappointing, it still holds promise for recovering some losses through digital sales and streaming. On March 1, Fly Me to the Moon is scheduled to debut on the Starz streaming platform, presenting a new chance for viewership beyond theaters. This upcoming Scarlett Johansson streaming debut could allow the film to connect with audiences who might have missed it during its theatrical release.
The Story and Star Power Behind Fly Me to the Moon
Fly Me to the Moon follows a mid-20th century storyline centered on NASA’s struggles in the public eye during the Apollo 11 era. Scarlett Johansson plays Kelly Jones, a marketing specialist tasked with revitalizing NASA’s image, while Channing Tatum portrays Cole Davis, the launch director who clashes with her over their differing approaches. The film blends romance, comedy, and historical context, attempting to capture a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic Americana.
Johansson, a Tony Award-winning actress known for her roles in blockbusters like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Jurassic World: Rebirth, personally advocated for this film’s creation. She shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she fought to have Fly Me to the Moon made because she wanted to bring original stories to the screen that stand apart from franchise sequels and reboots.
“I feel like I’ve gotten to a place in my career where I can maybe get studios to look at projects that have original concepts that aren’t based on pre-existing things,”
Scarlett Johansson said.
“It’s a machine that churns out stuff, and making films is a very expensive business, and it’s a big gamble, and if something works, you wanna recreate it. But, I feel like, for me, if I can get movies or stories out there that are told and come from original ideas, to me, that feels like a real advantage that I can take some — I try to do it when I can.”
Why Johansson Was Drawn to This Unique Script
The actress explained that Fly Me to the Moon’s attraction lies in its original screenplay, which distinguishes the project from typical studio fare. The script was penned by Rose Gilroy, a talented writer from a family of established screenwriters. Johansson admired the story’s fresh perspective and its blend of fun, romance, and nostalgia, which she believes is increasingly rare in today’s movie landscape.
“It was based on an original idea, and Rose Gilroy wrote the script, and she’s incredibly talented,”
Johansson noted.
“She comes from a family of very talented screenwriters. To me, it really was such a unique original concept. It has that old, nostalgic feeling. And it has that fun Catch Me If You Can vibe to it. It felt, to me, like a movie you don’t get to see that much anymore. I think, because it’s such an original idea, and it’s so kind of like peppy and sharp, and funny, and romantic, and nostalgic — it’s fun.”
Starz Streaming Platform Offers a Fresh Opportunity
As the film prepares to reach Starz viewers, it stands to gain renewed attention from audiences and critics who may revisit it outside the pressures of a theatrical release. Despite its underwhelming box office, Fly Me to the Moon has earned an 89 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting strong appreciation from those who gave it a chance. However, critical reviews were less enthusiastic, with a 66 percent rating, underscoring the divide between critics and general viewers.
This streaming debut is a vital moment for the film to prove its appeal and perhaps redeem its commercial failure. Starz’s platform may provide the reach necessary for Fly Me to the Moon to build a following and enhance Scarlett Johansson’s reputation for supporting original storytelling in Hollywood.
Main Cast Members and Their Roles
- Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Jones
- Channing Tatum as Cole Davis
- Woody Harrelson as Moe Berkus
- Ray Romano as Henry Smalls
