Originally published September 11, 2017. This article preserves One Sixth Society’s original reporting and images; product availability, pricing, and opinions reflect the original publication period.
As a film theory graduate studying for a master’s in film production, I have spent a lot of time watching and discussing movies. I have seen good films that performed poorly at the box office, and bad films that have done well. That contrast makes me curious about how reviews and box-office performance affect a film’s collectibles.
Hot Toys had announced figures from Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, but there was little further news after the film opened. That prompted this 2017 look at five releases from films with disappointing critical or commercial receptions. A disappointing film can still give us a good figure.
Tonto – Lone Ranger
One of Disney’s largest blockbuster blunders ever, The Lone Ranger lost a significant amount of money. It was also panned by critics. On the flip side of things, Hot Toys produced one of my favorite figures they have ever done! I actually spoke about it in our underrated figure article. It is also interesting to note that while Tonto got produced, The Lone Ranger did not. I wonder if this has something to do with the popularity of Johnny Depp as an actor, instead of the quality and popularity of the film itself.
Terminator Salvation
John Connor, Marcus Wright and the machines from Terminator Salvation gave Hot Toys plenty to work with. The costumes and character designs made interesting figures even if the film was no Terminator 2.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time drew criticism for its effects-heavy action and lead performances. Jake Gyllenhaal’s Dastan still made an interesting figure. The interchangeable outfit parts and likeness earned him a place on this list. I still prefer Vimal’s Nightcrawler sculpt for a Gyllenhaal portrait.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
This one hurts to write a bit for me as a huge G.I. Joe fan. Retaliation did make money but my goodness that was not the best movie that has ever been done. A mediocre film, it did make a boatload of money so it should have been no surprise that Hot Toys would make figures from the film. Between Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, Joe Colton, and Roadblock Hot Toys had some winners on their hands. Snake Eyes is one of the centerpieces in my collection currently.
The Spirit
As much of a fan of Frank Miller as I am, I was sad when The Spirit tanked as much as it did. Stylistically it was a very cool film, but it really performed poorly. However, Hot Toys produced three distinctive figures from the film: The Spirit, The Octopus, and Silken Floss. Quite different than the comic film figures they produce now, I only wish that they had a better film attached to them.
These releases remind me that my opinion of a movie does not always match my opinion of its figures. Tonto and Snake Eyes are still pieces I enjoy. At the time of writing in 2017, the future of the announced Valerian figures was unclear; box-office results alone could not tell collectors what Hot Toys would produce.
A Figure and Its Film Can Deserve Different Judgments
The examples mix disappointing reviews with disappointing commercial results; those are not the same thing, as the Retaliation entry makes clear. For a collector, the useful question is more specific: does the figure capture a design or performance you enjoy? A strong portrait, unusual costume or favorite character can remain worth owning even when the surrounding film is not a personal favorite.
