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Despite many movie stars receiving accolades for a job well done, Ben Affleck has had a dismal 2023. Hollywood star Affleck is famed for starring in many blockbuster movies. However, while he is famed for his roles, the same can’t be said of his 2023 movies. The actor has featured in two films this year. Unfortunately, one has been considered a major disappointment at the Box Office. Nevertheless, all hope is not lost for the actor as DC’s The Flash is set to hit the screens later this year. Given how successful other DC movies have been in the past, the upcoming production might be a redeeming chance for Ben Affleck.
Inside Ben Affleck’s First 2023 Movie
Ben Affleck’s dismal 2023 began after Air was released in April. Affleck directed the biographical sports drama which Alex Convey wrote. Based on true events about the origin of Air Jordan, the movie tells the story of how Sonny Vaccaro and Nike pursue basketball rookie Michael Jordan, creating a partnership that revolutionizes the world of sports and contemporary culture. It features Affleck and other stars, including Matt Damon, Chris Tucker, Viola Davis, and Marlon Wayans.
Many hoped the movie would be a hit considering the number of big names. Unfortunately, Air did not receive the best critical acclaim, but it was not counted as a loss for the producers. The Amazon Prime production had a limited run in theaters in the United States on April 5. By the time it premiered on the Amazon streaming service on May 12, it earned about $86.3 million against a $90 million budget. Still, Amazon Studios considers it a win as the initial income from the movie has almost broken even. Air has since gone on to become the most popular of all the movies and TV shows on Amazon Prime across the world, topping its Top 10 chart on May 14.
Ben Affleck Hits Two Flops in a Row
Following Air‘s not-so-good performance, Affleck hoped to bounce back. Sadly, when the actor’s latest film Hypnotic hit the screens in May 2023, it was an even bigger disappointment. Robert Rodriguez directed the movie, featuring Affleck as Danny Rourke, Alice Braga as Diana Cruz, William Fichtner as Dellrayne, and many others. It centers around how Rourke, determined to find his missing daughter, finds himself spiraling down a rabbit hole while investigating a series of reality-bending crimes.
Upon its theatrical release on May 12, Hypnotic grossed $940,000 from over 2100 theaters in its first day. As of May 14, it has grossed only $2.4 million worldwide. Reportedly, the sci-fi action thriller has a budget of over $65 million, and the outlook to earn more profit isn’t looking good. In addition to the low Box Office earning power, Hypnotic has received terrible reviews. Currently, it has a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Jennifer Lopez is Having an Amazing Year
While many hope Ben Affleck’s dismal 2023 gets better, the actor’s wife, Jennifer Lopez, sure has bragging rights. Like her husband, the actress has appeared twice on screen this year. However, compared to Affleck’s movies, Lopez’s is doing better. The movie The Mother premiered on May 12 and received fair reviews from critics and compliments for Lopez. The actress plays an ex-special forces parent and reclusive assassin who comes out of hiding to protect her daughter from danger. The action thriller is currently the number one film on Netflix charts in 83 countries. Still in the streaming world, the second movie, Shotgun Wedding, has been doing well since dropping on Amazon Prime on January 27.
Can ‘The Flash’ Save Affleck’s Career?
Affleck still has a redeeming chance, as another DC production will hit the screens in June 2023. Known for its originality, DC productions have managed to do well at the Box Office. Hopefully, DC’s The Flash won’t be any different. In the highly-anticipated film, Affleck will reprise his role as Batman alongside Michael Keaton, who will also portray another version of the superhero. According to reports, the film has a budget of about $220 million. Given its star-studded list of cast members and the aggressive marketing, there is a possibility of hitting over $1 billion at the Box Office. With expectations from DC’s The Flash flying high, fans hope the film will save Ben Affleck’s dismal 2023 and put him back on track. Time will tell!