Scarlett Johansson’s latest project, Fly Me to the Moon, struggled at the box office when it premiered two years ago but is now poised for a fresh start through streaming. The New York-born actress’s film will become available on Starz starting March 1, marking a strategic attempt to recapture audience interest and recover lost revenue after underperforming theatrical returns.
Theatrical Release Struggled Despite Star Power
Fly Me to the Moon failed to gain momentum during its theatrical release, grossing just $42 million globally, far below its production budget exceeding $100 million, not including marketing. In the United States, it debuted to only $9.4 million, a disappointing figure considering the film’s high-profile cast and the scope of the production. Sony Pictures faced a significant setback with this release as the romantic comedy, set against the backdrop of the Apollo 11 moon landing, did not meet commercial expectations.
Despite the box office disappointment, the film attracted a mixed reception among audiences and critics. Viewers who gave it a chance offered a strong 89 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on more than 1,000 reviews. Critics, however, provided a more lukewarm response, awarding the movie a 66 percent rating. This disparity suggests the film resonated more positively with general audiences than with professional reviewers.
Plot and Performances Center on NASA’s 1960s Challenges
Set in the mid-20th century, Fly Me to the Moon follows the conflict between NASA’s public image and internal struggles, featuring Scarlett Johansson as marketing executive Kelly Jones and Channing Tatum as NASA launch director Cole Davis. The two characters clash over ways to revive NASA’s reputation during a crucial period in American space history. Alongside Johansson and Tatum, the cast includes Woody Harrelson as Moe Berkus and Ray Romano as Henry Smalls, adding depth to the ensemble.
Johansson has expressed a deep personal connection to the project, emphasizing her commitment to supporting original storytelling in an industry dominated by sequels and franchises. In discussing the film, she remarked on her position in Hollywood that allows her to push for films based on fresh ideas rather than existing intellectual properties.
“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, Actress
“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.”
Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Why the Script Resonated with Johansson
Johansson highlighted the originality of Fly Me to the Moon’s script as a key factor drawing her to the project. Written by Rose Gilroy, the screenplay blends nostalgic elements with humor, romance, and sharp dialogue reminiscent of classic films. This combination sets the film apart in today’s cinematic landscape, where familiar franchises tend to dominate.
“It was based on an original idea, and Rose Gilroy wrote the script, and she’s incredibly talented,”
Scarlett Johansson, Actress
“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.”
Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Starz Streaming to Offer a Second Chance
After its theatrical failure, Fly Me to the Moon’s move to Starz provides the film an opportunity to reach new viewers who might appreciate its qualities more than cinema audiences did. Streaming platforms often give movies a chance to build a following long after their initial release, and in this case, the strong audience rating suggests the film is well positioned for a streaming resurgence, potentially increasing Johansson’s visibility in her streaming comeback.
Fly Me to the Moon arrives on Starz at a moment when original content draws keen interest from subscribers eager to discover distinctive stories outside the usual blockbuster cycle. For Johansson, whose varied career spans major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and more personal works, this film represents a calculated risk aligned with her broader goals of supporting unique narratives.
Primary Cast and Characters in Fly Me to the Moon
- Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Jones, a marketing expert for NASA
- Channing Tatum as Cole Davis, NASA’s launch director
- Woody Harrelson as Moe Berkus
- Ray Romano as Henry Smalls
As Fly Me to the Moon moves onto a streaming home, the hope is that its modest initial reception will give way to newfound appreciation among streaming audiences. This development could mark an important chapter in Scarlett Johansson’s continued evolution as an actress willing to champion original ideas, reinforcing her position in Hollywood as a versatile performer with an eye for innovative projects.
