Anne Hathaway Reflects on Colossal's Theatrical Flop and Netflix Revival Hopes
Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway has shared a candid and humorous reflection on the theatrical performance of her 2017 film Colossal, revealing that despite high expectations, "no one saw it" when it first hit cinemas. In a recent Instagram post, Hathaway looked back fondly on making the quirky kaiju comedy while also acknowledging its initial commercial disappointment.
Filming Memories During Pregnancy in Vancouver
Hathaway detailed that she shot Colossal in 2015 while pregnant with her first child. She and her husband, Adam Shulman, traveled to Vancouver with their dogs to work on what she described as director Nacho Vigalondo's "wonderfully insane" movie. The film also starred Jason Sudeikis, who had not yet achieved fame with Ted Lasso at the time.
In her Instagram caption, Hathaway wrote: "In 2015 while pregnant with our first baby, Adam and I went with our pups to Vancouver to make @nacho_vigalondo's wonderfully insane kaiju movie Colossal co-starring a brilliant and pre-Ted Lasso Jason Sudeikis." She added that the experience was one of her favorites, noting, "We all had a blast... and it is both one of my favorite movies I have ever been in and one of the best times I have ever had on set."
Joking About Box Office Records That Weren't
However, Hathaway didn't shy away from addressing the film's lackluster box office performance upon its 2017 release. With a touch of sarcasm, she joked: "When it arrived in theatres in 2017, it shattered box office records and became the shining hope of all low-budget indies that if you stick to your guns, you can make it big and transcend it all. Jk, no one saw it." This lighthearted remark highlights the disconnect between the film's critical appreciation and its commercial reception.
New Hope with Netflix Release in 2026
The actress revealed that Colossal has now found a new home on the streaming platform Netflix. Expressing optimism, Hathaway suggested that 2026 might finally be the year the film gains the audience it deserves. She wrote: "BUT it just landed on Netflix!! So if you have the inclination, maybe 2026 is finally Colossal's year."
Hathaway encouraged viewers to give the film a chance, describing it as "funny and strange and silly/smart and great." She backed this up by mentioning that 82% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it positive reviews, adding, "Hope you give it a go! Stay weird!"
About the Film Colossal
Colossal is a science fiction black comedy directed and written by Nacho Vigalondo. The film features an ensemble cast including:
- Anne Hathaway
- Jason Sudeikis
- Dan Stevens
- Austin Stowell
- Tim Blake Nelson
The plot follows an unemployed writer who, while battling alcoholism and a controlling colleague, unintentionally manifests a giant creature in Seoul. This unique blend of personal drama and kaiju elements has earned it a cult following despite its initial box office struggles.
Hathaway's reflections underscore the unpredictable nature of film success and the potential for streaming platforms to revive overlooked gems. As Colossal streams on Netflix, fans and new viewers alike have the opportunity to discover this eccentric and critically acclaimed project.
