Sydney Sweeney’s Resilience in the Face of “Madame Web” Criticism

Sydney Sweeney remains unperturbed by the reception of “Madame Web,” her recent venture into the realm of studio tentpole films. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, the actress shrugged off the criticism surrounding the movie, emphasizing that she was simply hired to act in it and was prepared to roll with whatever outcome ensued.

Portraying Julia Cornwall, an iteration of Spider-Woman, in “Madame Web,” Sweeney found herself in the midst of a project that failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike. With a domestic box office haul of $42 million and a worldwide gross shy of $100 million, coupled with a dismal 12% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film struggled to gain traction. It even became a subject of ridicule, prompting Sweeney herself to poke fun at it during a “Saturday Night Live” appearance.

Echoing Sweeney’s sentiments, her co-star Dakota Johnson expressed her lack of surprise at the reception to “Madame Web,” attributing it to the challenges inherent in navigating the studio system. Johnson emphasized the importance of artistic integrity over commercial considerations, highlighting the pitfalls of decision-making by committee in the filmmaking process.

Despite the less-than-favorable response to “Madame Web,” Johnson viewed the experience as a valuable learning opportunity, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the industry. While the outcome may not have been ideal, both actresses gleaned insights from their involvement in the project, reaffirming their commitment to authenticity and artistic expression in an industry often driven by commercial imperatives.