Online MAGA outrage over Sydney Sweeney's jeans fails to save her new film from box office failure
In the world of cinema, the release of a new film is often met with excitement and anticipation. However, for actress Sydney Sweeney and her latest movie, "Americana," the anticipation was overshadowed by a controversial American Eagle ad campaign.
The ad, which featured Sweeney discussing genetics and related it to the color of the jeans, sparked a significant online reaction. Critics argued that the campaign invoked racially charged eugenics and white supremacy themes, and it was widely mocked online, including by prominent figures. This controversy, coupled with polarized responses from the media, possibly distracted from or cooled audience enthusiasm for "Americana."
Despite the national conversation about Sweeney and her jeans, her newest movie did not see hefty box office numbers. "Americana" opened to approximately $500,000 nationwide across more than 1,000 theaters, which is considered a significant underperformance.
Industry insiders describe the film as fitting well within Lionsgate's multi-platform release strategy, which blends theatrical and digital platforms to generate profits even with low box office receipts. However, the low box office may also reflect a limited audience reach typical for smaller films and the competitive box office environment.
Moreover, the controversy from the American Eagle ad campaign is believed to have contributed to a negative public perception around Sweeney at the time of the film’s release, potentially suppressing ticket sales. This is supported by comments from critics and fans who have linked the negative attention from the ad campaign to the poor box office performance of "Americana."
Interestingly, the controversy did not result in a widespread national concern, demonstrating that America may have exhausted its moral panics. This is evident in the January 6th events, which serve as an example of the internet producing real-world events through ideological turmoil.
In the aftermath of the controversy, figures such as Dr. Phil, Lizzo, CNN, and even the American president weighed in on the ad campaign. Rolling Stone magazine published a timeline of America's conservatives' attempts to "claim" Sweeney as a cultural icon, while Vox used the episode to discuss the "unsettling legacy of the blonde bombshell."
Despite the challenges faced by "Americana," it is essential to remember that the film's performance does not necessarily signal a financial failure. With its multi-platform strategy, the studio aims to mitigate theatrical losses, ensuring that the box office bomb does not define the film's overall success.
References:
- Box Office Mojo
- Variety
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Vulture
Read also:
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
- Legal Dispute Dismissed with Humor: Supreme Court Laughs off Another Civil Matter Mislabeled as Criminal Prosecution
