I’m puzzled by Warner Bros.’ apparent lack of enthusiasm for Clint Eastwood’s latest film, “Juror No. 2,” which may very well be the iconic director’s final cinematic effort before he retires at the age of 94.
Despite Eastwood’s long and successful collaboration with Warner Bros., spanning over 50 years and including box office hits like “American Sniper” and “Sully,” the studio is giving his potential swan song a shockingly limited theatrical release.
A Muddied Rollout For An Esteemed Filmmaker
Variety reports that “Juror No. 2” will make its debut in fewer than 50 theaters nationwide, and there are no plans for a wider expansion in the weeks following its initial release. Cineplex will only show the film in one Toronto theater and 160 locations nationwide in Canada.
This limited rollout stands in stark contrast to the film’s world premiere at the prestigious AFI Fest this weekend, where Eastwood, along with stars Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, and Zoey Deutch, will walk the red carpet.
Furthermore, the report suggests that Warner Bros. is even considering not reporting the film’s box office grosses, an unusual move for a major Hollywood studio release.
The Mysterious Reasoning Behind The Muted Approach
The studio’s muted approach to “Juror No. 2” has left industry insiders and fans scratching their heads. After all, Eastwood has consistently delivered films that have resonated with both critics and audiences, earning billions in box office revenue for the studio over the years.
One potential explanation is that Warner Bros. is no longer as confident in Eastwood’s commercial appeal, particularly after the underperformance of his last film, “Cry Macho,” which grossed just $16.5 million globally against a $33 million budget.
The report suggests that the studio’s new leadership, including CEO David Zaslav, may have questioned the decision to make “Cry Macho” in the first place, possibly souring their outlook on Eastwood’s drawing power.
The Potential Impact On The Film’s Award Chances
The limited release of “Juror No. 2” could also be an indication that Warner Bros. does not see the film as a major awards contender, despite Eastwood’s track record of delivering Oscar-worthy films like “Unforgiven” and “Million Dollar Baby.”
The report highlights the absence of the film on the studio’s FYC (For Your Consideration) webpage, implying a lack of active promotion for major award recognition.
This is a puzzling decision, as the film’s premise—a juror facing a moral dilemma—could resonate with Academy voters, and Eastwood’s potential retirement could generate additional interest and goodwill.
Was There A Chance For A Fitting Farewell?
Ultimately, the muted rollout of “Juror No. 2” seems to be a missed opportunity for both Warner Bros. and Eastwood’s fans. As the filmmaker approaches the end of his storied career, one would expect a more celebratory and wide-ranging release for what could be his final directorial effort.
The decision to limit the film’s theatrical exposure and potentially not report its box office performance appears to be a shortsighted move, one that could deprive audiences of the chance to appreciate Eastwood’s legacy and potentially his last on-screen masterpiece.
As the industry and moviegoers eagerly await the release of “Juror No. 2,” the hope is that Warner Bros. will reconsider its distribution strategy and give this film the attention and promotion it deserves. Eastwood’s loyal fans and the cinemagoing public deserve nothing less than a proper sendoff for a true Hollywood legend.
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