(Image source: Paramount Pictures)
Academy Award-winning director Damien Chazelle's ambitious period drama "Babylon," made with a budget of nearly $80 million, bombed at the box office two years ago, grossing just over $60 million worldwide. The film received mixed reviews and was completely shut out during awards season, widely considered a massive failure. As the film's lead actress, Margot Robbie recently appeared on Warner Bros. Discovery's in-house podcast "Talking Pictures," where she expressed her confusion regarding the film's reception.
Robbie stated on the show: "I still can't wrap my head around why audiences hated 'Babylon.' I absolutely loved 'Babylon'! I still don't understand why people disliked it so much. I'm curious if, in 20 years, people will look back and wonder, 'Wait, 'Babylon' didn't do well at the box office when it came out? That's unbelievable.' It's like when you hear that 'The Shawshank Redemption' was considered a flop when it was released, or similar stories, you just think, 'How is that even possible?'"
(Image source: The Hollywood Reporter Instagram)
After Robbie's comments were reposted by The Hollywood Reporter on their official Instagram , they quickly resonated with many industry peers who also loved "Babylon." Among them was director James Gunn, who worked with Robbie on "The Suicide Squad," and commented in the replies (pictured above): "I have the same confusion."
Melinda Clarke, known for her role in the series "The O.C.," also commented, stating: "I loved 'Babylon' too, especially the music!" Renowned guitarist Jesse Dayton responded: "Yeah, I have no idea either. Anyone with even a slight interest in Hollywood history — specifically, the early 'Babylon' era of Hollywood — would surely appreciate this film. Plus, with two huge movie stars shining on screen, I thought it was awesome!"