Ridley Scott’s box office misfire, Napoleon, has now been outperformed domestically by A24’s latest release, Marty Supreme, which is rapidly approaching a significant milestone at the box office. As Marty Supreme continues to draw audiences, its success highlights the financial struggles faced by Scott’s historical epic.
Marty Supreme Outpaces Napoleon at the Domestic Box Office
Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, delivered another impressive performance at the North American box office over the past weekend. The film has amassed $70.1 million in the U.S., setting it on course to be the first A24 production to potentially surpass $100 million domestically. Its international earnings reached $8.4 million, bringing its worldwide total to $78.5 million.
This domestic achievement puts Marty Supreme well ahead of Napoleon, which wrapped up its American run with $61.6 million. Despite starring Joaquin Phoenix and being helmed by Ridley Scott, Napoleon is considered one of the director’s most considerable box office disappointments. The film had stronger results internationally, contributing to a global sum of $217 million. However, with a reported production budget close to $200 million, financial analysts estimated Napoleon needed roughly $400 million to break even. The shortfall has cemented its reputation as a high-profile misfire in Scott’s long career.
Napoleon’s Struggles and Ongoing Controversy
Upon release, Napoleon faced harsh criticism over its lack of historical accuracy, sparking an ongoing debate and even prompting Ridley Scott to publicly respond to detractors. Despite its attempts to draw in audiences with grand scale and star power, these controversies linger, continuing to shape the film’s legacy and reputation in cinematic discussions.
Marty Supreme’s Reception and Chalamet’s Rising Star
By contrast, Marty Supreme received far more enthusiastic anticipation ahead of its debut. Its critical reception was strong, with reviewers describing it as one of A24’s standout projects. Timothée Chalamet, who entered 2024 after successes in Dune: Part Two and A Complete Unknown, has earned high praise for his role as Marty Mauser. Observers suggest this could become his Oscar moment, marking him as a bona fide A-list lead in Hollywood. The film’s continued momentum at the box office underscores both Chalamet’s drawing power and the growing importance of independent distributors like A24.
A Look at Marty Supreme’s Cast and Creative Team
Gwyneth Paltrow features as Kay Stone, one of Marty Mauser’s primary love interests. Odessa A’zion plays Rachel Mizler, Marty’s other romantic partner, with the film culminating in their union. Tyler the Creator appears as Wally, Marty’s close friend, while Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank fame portrays Milton Rockwell, the supportive husband of Kay Stone and a key figure backing Marty’s ping pong career. Josh Safdie, celebrated for his collaboration with his brother Benny Safdie on the acclaimed A24 thriller Uncut Gems, directed and wrote Marty Supreme.
Context and Implications for Ridley Scott and A24
Ridley Scott’s box office misfire with Napoleon presents a stark contrast to the current triumph experienced by Marty Supreme. The differing fates of these films not only reflect changing audience interests but also highlight the unpredictable nature of the film industry. As Marty Supreme races towards breaking new ground for A24, there is renewed scrutiny of large-scale productions like Napoleon and their financial risks. The ongoing conversation around historical accuracy in cinema, sparked by Scott’s film, continues to engage both critics and moviegoers. Attention now turns to whether Marty Supreme will indeed make A24 history by crossing the $100 million mark domestically, an achievement that would further reshape discussions about what types of films succeed at the modern box office.
