As identified in a 2016 field workplace report in Forbes, Steven Spielberg was in an analogous spot with “The BFG” as he’d been along with his animated movie “The Adventures of Tintin” 5 years prior. The “Tintin” comedian e-book, by Belgian writer Hergé, had been much better identified all through Europe than in america, the place point out of the character invited solely indifference stateside. “Tintin” made solely $9.7 million over its opening weekend within the U.S., ultimately grossing a mere $77 million domestically. This was in opposition to a funds of $135 million. Worldwide, nevertheless, “Tintin” earned about $374 million, so it will possibly most definitely be thought of successful.

Roald Dahl is a British writer, and whereas a number of of his books have been tailored into profitable U.S. films — “Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility,” “The Witches,” “Matilda,” and “Incredible Mr. Fox” are all of observe — there was one thing concerning the movie of “The BFG” that was maybe too aggressively English for mainstream U.S. audiences. That the movie climaxes with a dinner with Queen Elizabeth is definitely notable. Maybe U.S. audiences would have most well-liked a White Home dinner with Ronald Reagan? Oof. By no means thoughts.

Spielberg had directed bombs earlier than “The BFG,” however they appear to be getting extra frequent because the panorama modifications. Previous to “The BFG,” the filmmaker’s most notable monetary flops had been “Munich,” “All the time,” “1941,” and “Amistad,” every of which merely broke even. Since “The BFG,” nevertheless, most of Spielberg’s films have accrued awards consideration, but earned little scratch. “The Fabelmans” solely made $39.8 million general. “West Aspect Story” made $74.8 million on a $100 million funds. Movies like “The Put up,” “Bridge of Spies,” and even “Prepared Participant One” had been larger abroad.

Maybe, on the finish of the day, “The BFG” was merely too European.