Madame Web Star Isabela Merced Is ‘Proud’ of the Critically Panned Superhero Flop

Madame Web Star Isabela Merced Is 'Proud' of the Critically Panned Superhero Flop

As a seasoned cinephile who has weathered numerous cinematic storms and witnessed the rise and fall of various blockbusters, I must admit that Isabela Merced‘s journey through the world of filmmaking is one that resonates with me deeply. Her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by her handling of the critical and commercial misfire that was Madame Web, is nothing short of commendable.


Despite the fact that the movie “Madame Web” wasn’t a success in terms of critical acclaim or box office revenue, star Isabela Merced remains proud of her role in the Spider-Man spinoff amidst all the negative reviews it has received. In the film, Merced plays Anya Corazón, one of three future Spider-Women who are blamed for Tahar Rahim’s character Ezekiel Sims’ death. With a paltry $100 million gross, the movie needed at least $200 million to break even, and it has been widely criticized as one of the worst films of the year, with an 11% rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

During an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, Merced was questioned about her personal feelings regarding Madame Web, given its widespread failure among viewers. Despite the movie’s disappointing performance, Merced appeared unfazed and responded gracefully by saying:

“I find it fascinating. It seems every respected actor I’m familiar with has a film that I can’t help but label as ‘oh-so-camp.’ The ensuing group chat was delightful, filled with witty tweets and hilarious memes that kept us all entertained.”

Despite the enjoyment likely experienced by the actors, Merced expressed a sense of sympathy towards those who labored on Madame Web, who may have hoped for greater success from the film. Regrettably, it became one of the biggest disappointments at the box office in recent times.

“Simultaneously, it leaves a bitter taste, as I acknowledge the hard work of those who contributed to it. They may have seen this as their chance for a significant break, and I find myself contemplating them. I’m grateful for other chances at the moment, which is what makes me feel truly fortunate. However, I can’t help but feel sorry for those who poured their hearts into this project, knowing that many hands were involved, making it complex to ensure everyone fully understands their role.”

Merced elaborated on her affection for films with a campy charm, stating that Madame Web fits squarely within this genre. Regardless of the negative criticisms, she is nevertheless pleased with the team’s achievements in making the movie.

“I’ve got a special fondness for these movies – they’re campy classics. Among them, I adore ‘The Room’, I adore ‘Flubber’, and I adore ‘Catwoman’. These are my top picks, so I can’t help but feel a bit proud of my affection for them.”

Isabela Merced Has Moved on From Madame Web

Madame Web Star Isabela Merced Is 'Proud' of the Critically Panned Superhero FlopMadame Web Star Isabela Merced Is 'Proud' of the Critically Panned Superhero FlopMadame Web Star Isabela Merced Is 'Proud' of the Critically Panned Superhero Flop

Regardless of the disappointing reception for the film Madame Web, actress Merced has navigated through the challenges and is now gearing up to feature in Fede Álvarez’s upcoming movie, Alien: Romulus, opening this weekend. Contrasting the superhero production, analysts predict that Romulus will deliver a much stronger performance, possibly earning over $55 million; more than twice the six-day earnings of Madame Web.

In the movie, Merced, who portrays Kay, shared that she fully immersed herself into her role while filming Romulus. Given that the Xenomorphs are incredibly fear-inducing, the young actress admitted there were instances where she found herself delving deep into method acting to generate a more authentic reaction. She hopes this will resonate with viewers.

“For the audience to fully trust your performance, it’s crucial that you genuinely experience the emotions portrayed. In a roundabout way, I found myself delving into method acting, which I believe was Fede’s intention. He wanted an authentic, raw, and tough portrayal, so I immersed myself in the character, learning as much as I could about him. I hope that viewers can sense the emotions I felt while playing this role.”

1. This weekend, audiences have the opportunity to feel that fear firsthand with the theater release of “Alien: Romulus“, brought to you by 20th Century Studios. Following this, Merced will star in another superhero movie – James Gunn’s “Superman” – set to launch a new chapter for the DCU and featuring her as Hawkgirl alongside David Corenswet portraying the Man of Steel.

Madame Web
is now streaming on Netflix.

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2024-08-16 17:31