Chris Pratt’s Sci-Fi Flop Leaves Netflix

When fame hits with the force of a blockbuster franchise, it’s easy to assume that staying successful is simply a matter of sticking to the formula. This perception was certainly true for stars like Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence in their early career.

They were the faces of massive, globally recognized properties. Take Jurassic World, which set new box office records and generated billions worldwide. This success demonstrated the power of established franchises.

Yet, stepping outside the shadow of a massive franchise offered an entirely different kind of challenge. In one of their independent ventures, Pratt and Lawrence decided to pivot and head an original science fiction movie. This project proved that star power wasn’t solely dependent on existing intellectual property; they could build success from the ground up.

The resulting film was a commercial success in its own right, grossing over $300 million globally. However, this independent venture came with an unexpected dose of friction. Despite the massive financial success, the movie struggled to garner critical acclaim, facing considerable controversy and mediocre reviews.

It’s human nature to be taken aback by negative press. Pratt later admitted he felt “caught off guard” by the intense vitriol directed at the film. The criticism often centered around specific elements of the narrative—the inciting incident—rather than the star power itself.

The experience highlights a crucial reality for all actors: success in cinema involves navigating more than just box office numbers. It requires managing public expectations, enduring critical scrutiny, and embracing the unpredictable nature of creative storytelling.

Currently, this independent project is available to audiences streaming on Netflix in the United States, offering another example of how films find their way to home.