Actor Alan Ritchson, known for his role in Reacher, recently found himself facing backlash during the promotional tour for his film Motor City. The film’s poor box office performance only added to the embarrassment, especially after its controversial promotional tactics involving accusations against former President Donald Trump.
Released in 1,600 theaters, Motor City garnered a disappointing $1.6 million over the weekend. With an average of $1,015 per screen, it landed in 18th place in terms of per-screen revenue.
The production budget was $30 million, which makes the outcome even more disheartening.
So what’s the deal with Ritchson? Well, there’s quite the story behind Motor City. Set in 1977 Detroit, it follows John Miller, played by Ritchson, as he unwittingly gets caught up in crime after falling for the girlfriend of a gangster. The film is marked by its minimal dialogue, instead emphasizing striking visuals and a high-energy soundtrack featuring music from the 1970s.
But who is this movie really for?
The audience, it seems, is not very clear. Are middle-aged women with unconventional hairstyles and body art really the target for a film filled with revenge and violence? Probably not.
What about those who date these women? Also unlikely. It seems the demographic might connect more with people who have a different political view—like, say, supporters of Trump.
With $30 million on the line, it’s bewildering that Ritchson chose to alienate potential viewers during the film’s promotion. The entertainment industry often forgets its audience, and this situation is no exception. When comparing Ritchson’s approach to that of Bill Gates, it’s clear that there’s a lack of respect for those who consume their products.
What led Ritchson to think that criticism of Trump would attract viewers from a demographic he might need? It seems his confidence may have clouded his judgment. Ironically, this could also hurt his role in the series Reacher, available on Amazon Prime, where he portrays a vastly different character.
The integrity of the audience is crucial in any entertainment endeavor.
In an age of rapidly advancing technology, we might see a future where everyday people create content much like Motor City, while Ritchson could find himself wondering where everything went wrong.
