Stallone and Schwarzenegger find themselves facing disappointment as their recent film ventures, "The Last Stand" and "Bullet to the Head," fail to meet expectations.
Time spares no one, and Hollywood action cinema icons Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone are no exception. Their latest films, "The Last Stand" and "Bullet to the Head," have encountered a lukewarm reception from audiences.
"The Last Stand" was Schwarzenegger's much-anticipated return to the forefront after his tenure as California's governor. Unfortunately, the film, directed by Kim Jee-Woon and co-starring Eduardo Noriega, fell flat at the US box office, debuting in tenth place with only $6.3 million.
Stallone, riding on the success of reviving iconic characters like Rocky Balboa and Rambo, faced a setback with "Bullet to the Head." Despite his recent triumphs, this film, directed by Walter Hill, earned a mere $4.5 million and claimed the sixth spot at the box office.
Some attribute these results to the Super Bowl celebration, but others point to the need for a compelling story and a robust marketing campaign, suggesting that the era where big stars alone draw audiences to theaters is fading.
Analyst Paul Dergarabedian from Hollywood.com emphasizes the importance of a film's project raising expectations, stating that a powerful story and a strong advertising campaign are crucial in the current era.
While questions arise about whether Schwarzenegger and Stallone, aged 65 and 66, can still carry a film on their own, Dergarabedian remains optimistic. He believes that if Stallone returns with another "Expendables" film and Schwarzenegger does the same with "Terminator," both projects already confirmed, they could see significant success.
The upcoming release of "A Good Day to Die Hard," the fifth installment of the "Die Hard" saga starring Bruce Willis, adds further anticipation. Dergarabedian predicts its success, citing the concept of the saga and the powerful brand associated with "Die Hard."
Despite recent setbacks, the old rockers, Stallone and Schwarzenegger, will soon return to the cinematic battlefield. In September, they'll reunite in "The Tomb," and Stallone has a boxing film with Robert De Niro in the pipeline, while Schwarzenegger explores a new dimension in the Conan universe.
