When a film is released with a budget of $140 million and the hopes of becoming a blockbuster, you expect some level of success. However, the 2016 movie Gods of Egypt proved to be one of the most notorious failures in Hollywood history, both critically and commercially. Despite an all-star cast and grand ambitions, it became a prime example of how not to launch a fantasy epic.
A Mythology Under Siege
Directed by Alex Proyas, known for hits like I, Robot and Dark City, Gods of Egypt was an action-packed adventure inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology. The film featured an epic struggle between the gods Seth and Horus, set in a world where gods walked the earth. The plot revolved around a mortal, Bek (played by Brenton Thwaites), who teams up with Horus (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) to stop Seth (played by Gerard Butler) from ruling Egypt. Together, they battle mythical creatures and face countless challenges to restore balance to the world.
The film also boasted an impressive cast, including Chadwick Boseman as the god Thoth. Despite the star power, the movie’s performance at the box office and with critics was far from stellar.
The Crash of an Ancient Myth
From the moment Gods of Egypt hit theaters, it was met with harsh criticism. The film earned a shocking 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which was a clear indication that it missed the mark. Reviewers pointed out several glaring issues: the visual effects were unimpressive, the writing was clunky, and the storyline lacked originality.
One of the most controversial aspects was the film’s whitewashing—a term used to describe the casting of white actors as Egyptian gods. This drew criticism not only from audiences but also from industry insiders. Alonso Duralde of TheWrap wrote that the film “could have been so bad it was good if it had retained the unintentional laughs of its first 10 minutes. Instead, it slips into banality, missing the campy classic it might have been.”
Proyas’ Defiant Response
The backlash was swift and brutal, and Alex Proyas didn’t take it lying down. The director took to Facebook to express his frustration, calling critics “sick vultures pecking at the bones of a dying carcass.” He argued that journalists were too afraid to defend a movie that went against the prevailing opinions in the industry. Proyas acknowledged the whitewashing issue but downplayed its significance in this particular film, claiming that Gods of Egypt wasn’t the right platform for a discussion about diversity.
Despite his defense, the film’s financial results only added to the controversy. With a production cost of $140 million, Gods of Egypt made only $31.2 million in North America and a total of $119.6 million internationally. This left the movie grossing $150.6 million, barely breaking even and resulting in a net loss of around $90 million according to The Hollywood Reporter.
A Legacy of Missed Potential
Looking back, Gods of Egypt serves as a cautionary tale for the film industry—an example of how high expectations, big budgets, and an impressive cast don’t always equate to success. The film’s failure was partly due to its inability to live up to its potential in terms of both storytelling and visual effects. But it also highlighted deeper issues in Hollywood, particularly when it comes to cultural representation and the expectations that fans have for films that claim to represent ancient cultures.
As for Alex Proyas, the director’s passion for the project was evident, but unfortunately, the results were far from what anyone had hoped. With a budget in the range of blockbuster films, Gods of Egypt was an ambitious but flawed attempt to blend mythology with modern cinematic techniques, but it ultimately didn’t resonate with audiences or critics.
So, what can we learn from Gods of Egypt’s dramatic flop? Sometimes, even the most ambitious projects can miss the mark. Whether it’s the visual effects, the storyline, or the cultural accuracy, this film shows that careful consideration and respect for both the material and the audience are essential for success in today’s competitive movie market.
The failure of Gods of Egypt serves as a reminder that, in the world of blockbuster filmmaking, it’s not just the size of the budget or the star power that guarantees success—it’s the execution.
