Marvel's "Madame Web" Faces Harsh Criticism Despite Revival on Netflix
"Madame Web," a 2024 Sony superhero film starring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, has faced significant backlash from fans and critics alike. The movie, originally released in theaters in February, was labeled an "embarrassing mess" and dubbed the "worst comic book movie ever," a sentiment reflected in its box office performance, garnering only $15.1 million in its opening weekend and an additional $8.2 million in subsequent days.
Recently uploaded to Netflix, "Madame Web" has not escaped harsh criticism. The streaming platform announced the film's availability via a post on X (formerly Twitter), featuring a picture of Dakota Johnson from the movie. In response, viewers have continued to slam the film, describing it as "the dumbest movie ever" and showing reluctance to watch it despite its new platform presence.
The film follows Cassandra Webb (Johnson), a paramedic in New York City who discovers her clairvoyant abilities and must protect three young women, played by Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O'Connor, from a mysterious threat. Despite the intriguing premise, the movie failed to resonate with audiences and critics.
Sydney Sweeney, who plays Julia Carpenter, even made a playful joke about the film's poor performance during her Saturday Night Live monologue in March. Johnson, meanwhile, faced reported displeasure from Sony for her critical comments and lack of responsibility concerning the film’s failure, an issue insiders suggest may impact her future prospects with the studio.
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews, some viewers expressed curiosity about the film’s notoriety and admitted they might watch it on Netflix to judge for themselves.