While ‘A Family Affair’ is still at the top of the most-watched list on Netflix in the US, the fantasy action film ‘Warcraft’ has reached the second spot of the Top 10, according to FlixPatrol (as of July 2th). Directed by Duncan Jones, the movie stars Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, Dominic Cooper, Toby Kebbell, Ben Schnetzer, Robert Kazinsky, and Daniel Wu .
Originally released in 2016, the movie is based on the popular video game series ‘Warcraft,’ and it primarily focuses on the initial encounters between the human Alliance and the orcish Horde. Jones, a self-proclaimed fan of the game series, worked closely with Blizzard Entertainment to ensure the film’s appeal to long-time fans.
However, ‘Warcraft’ failed to meet expectations, both commercially and critically. While the fantasy film performed well at the global box office, particularly in China, its $439 million of global grossings weren’t enough to reach the break-even point.
‘Warcraft,’ a potential first entry of a franchise that didn’t impress critics
The film follows Anduin Lothar of Stormwind and Durotan of the Frostwolf clan, heroes on opposing sides of a burgeoning war. The warlock Gul’dan leads the Horde in an invasion of Azeroth through a magical portal. Together, a few human heroes and dissenting orcs must unite to confront the true evil driving the conflict and strive to restore peace.
‘Warcraft’ received mixed reviews from critics but was generally better received by fans of the video game series. Critics praised the visual effects and the film’s ambition but often criticized the pacing and complexity of the plot, which could be challenging for viewers unfamiliar with the “Warcraft” lore.
The disappointing reception of the film was likely the cause of a potential franchise not moving forward. Director Jones expressed his interest in making a sequel, adapting the second video game of the series, but it never materialized.
However, in September 2020, it was reported that Legendary was developing a new ‘Warcraft’ movie. It is unknown whether the movie would be a sequel or a reboot, or even if it would be distributed by Universal. Its current status isn’t known either.
