Ruby Gillman is Looking to Be the Biggest Flop of 2023

What makes a movie successful? Why do people want to watch some movies but not others? While some films make millions at the box office, others can hardly recoup their budget. And it looks like we still can't reliably predict if a movie will kill it or bomb at the box office.

The upcoming DreamWorks animated movie Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, appears to be struggling to attract an audience. It is a coming-of-age action-comedy animated film primarily targeted at families. The story follows the titular character, a seemingly normal teen and an underdog at her school, who discovers she's a mighty Kraken princess. As she tries to fit into both worlds, juggling her royal duties, superpowers, and social life, Ruby must save humanity and the entire ocean from an impending attack by vicious mermaids.

So far, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken has been dubbed the most anticipated flop of the year. Critics predict the DreamWorks movie won't even make $10 million during its opening week. In the worst-case scenario, it won't make half of that, making a meagre $650 thousand at best on the premiere day. Even the stellar cast, which includes legendary Jane Fonda, Annie Murphy, and Lana Condor, doesn't seem to be of much help.

It appears that there are two major reasons why Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken will probably be a flop. First and foremost, DreamWorks Studio's subpar plot is somewhat surprising. The company has given the world such gems as The Prince of Egypt, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Megamind, How to Train Your Dragon and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, all of which had great stories, but the new offering falls far short of that high bar.

Additionally, the release timing couldn't be worse. Set to premiere on 30 June, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken will run in theatres throughout July, in direct competition with three other highly anticipated movies: Barbie, Mission: Impossible 7, and Oppenheimer. The DreamWorks film stands little chance against such heavyweights.

Will it be possible to stream Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken on Disney+?

No. Disney and DreamWorks are separate studio giants and main competitors that don't collaborate on their projects. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken will be available exclusively in theatres.

However, if the movie flops as expected, it will be in good company. Here are some other 2023 flops:

• Magic Mike's Last Dance ($12 million revenue)

• Shazam! Fury of the Gods ($8 million revenue)

• Operation Fortune: Ruse de Gurre ($12 million loss)

• Renfield ($40 million loss)

Reminder: Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken will open in theatres on 30 June.