A Complex Journey to Streaming
“Killers of the Flower Moon” emerges onto the streaming scene following a less-than-stellar run at the box office, yet Apple’s strategy extends far beyond initial numbers.
A Cinematic Triumph Meets Commercial Challenge
Martin Scorsese‘s highly anticipated 2023 release, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” lived up to its massive hype. Bringing together the cinematic giants Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, alongside the remarkable Lily Gladstone, the film was an extraordinary display of depth and artistry. However, despite its status as a masterpiece, the depiction of the Osage murders failed to draw the expected crowds.
Apple’s Strategic Vision
Despite underwhelming box office numbers, Apple remains unfazed. The company is accustomed to investing in high-budget projects that may not yield immediate returns. Examples like “For All Mankind” and the biopic on Napoleon, which fell short of recouping its $207 million budget, reflect Apple’s long-term approach. Now, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is set to enter the streaming world globally (excluding France), aligning with Apple’s larger strategy.
Apple’s Take on the Film’s Performance
“Killers of the Flower Moon” amassed a mere $156 million in global box office revenue, with just over $67 million from the US. Despite costing around $200 million to produce, it falls short of profitability. Yet, industry experts suggest this might not be a setback for Apple, given its long-term objectives. With a subscriber base significantly smaller than competitors like Netflix (which boasted 238 million subscribers in July 2023 compared to Apple TV+’s 25.5 million), Apple has different goals in mind.
The Potential and Future Impact
As award season approaches, Apple recognizes the monumental bet it placed on Martin Scorsese. With 11 Oscar nominations and 5 Golden Globe nods for “The Irishman” in 2019 with Netflix, Scorsese’s latest film has garnered even greater critical acclaim. Even if not showered with awards, “Killers of the Flower Moon” could become a seminal film of this century, leaving a lasting mark for Apple beyond mere commercial success.
Beyond Theatrical Revenues
For Apple, theatrical revenues represent a fraction of its colossal investment budget. The film’s journey is far from over as its release on Apple TV+ promises to introduce it to an entirely new audience. However, a French release date remains pending due to the country’s stringent media chronology regulations.
Killers of the Flower Moon martin scorsese
Last modified: January 22, 2024
