Margot Robbie remains baffled by the underwhelming reception of ‘Babylon’ among audiences.

The 2022 film, directed by Damien Chazelle, boasted a star-studded cast including Brad Pitt, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, and Li Jun Li. Despite an ambitious $80 million budget, the Paramount Pictures production grossed a modest $15 million domestically and a total of $63 million worldwide.

“I honestly don’t understand it. Of course, I’m biased because I’m deeply connected to the project and believe in it, but I can’t figure out why it wasn’t well-received,” Robbie shared during an appearance on ‘The Talking Pictures’ podcast. “I wonder if, in 20 years, people will look back and say, ‘Wait, ‘Babylon’ wasn’t successful?’ It’s similar to hearing how ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ flopped when it was first released, and you think, ‘How is that even possible?’”

Set in late-1920s Hollywood, ‘Babylon’ chronicles the lives of several characters navigating the chaotic transition from silent films to "talkies." While it failed to capture widespread audience enthusiasm, Robbie reflected fondly on the creative process, particularly working with Chazelle.

“Damien is incredibly meticulous,” said the ‘Barbie’ star. “What I loved most about working with him was his relentless drive. It felt like no one had ever fully pressed the accelerator before, and Damien wanted that energy all the time. He always pushed for more, even during pre-production.”

Robbie’s hope that ‘Babylon’ might earn greater appreciation over time aligns with a sentiment expressed by Hideo Kojima about ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’ who commented on the evolving legacy of certain films. Despite its lackluster box office performance, Kojima speculated that Todd Phillips’ sequel might find its place in cinematic history.

“Over the next 10 or 20 years, this film’s reputation will likely shift as the landscape of superhero movies evolves,” Kojima shared in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Sometimes, it takes time for a film to truly embody the concept of ‘folie à deux.’”

TRENDING NEWS