A Year Before Suicide Squad: The Untold Story Of Will Smith And Margot Robbie's Underperforming Thriller

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Post on Apr 28, 2025

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<h1>A Year Before Suicide Squad: The Untold Story of Will Smith and Margot Robbie's Underperforming Thriller</h1>

Will Smith and Margot Robbie. Two of Hollywood's biggest names. Their combined star power should guarantee box office gold, right? Not always. A year before they captivated audiences as Deadshot and Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, the duo starred in a little-known thriller, Focus, that significantly underperformed despite its A-list cast and intriguing premise. This is the untold story of Focus's surprising box office disappointment and what it reveals about the unpredictable nature of Hollywood success.

<h2>The Pre-Suicide Squad Buzz: High Expectations, Quiet Release</h2>

In 2015, the anticipation for Suicide Squad was palpable. However, a year earlier, Smith and Robbie teamed up for Focus, a con artist film directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. The film boasted a sleek aesthetic, a clever script, and the undeniable charisma of its leads. Pre-release marketing highlighted the chemistry between Smith and Robbie, promising a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns. Yet, despite the considerable hype surrounding the actors, the film's release was relatively quiet, lacking the massive promotional blitz often associated with big-budget Hollywood productions.

<h2>Box Office Flop: Why Did Focus Underperform?</h2>

Focus ultimately grossed a disappointing $159 million worldwide against a $50 million budget. While profitable, this fell far short of expectations for a film starring two such bankable actors. Several factors likely contributed to its underperformance:

• Over-saturation of the genre: The con artist genre, while always popular, was experiencing a slight saturation in 2015. Audiences might have been fatigued by similar films, opting for other genres instead.
• Marketing missteps: While the trailers hinted at the film's premise, they may not have effectively captured the film's unique blend of romance and suspense. The marketing campaign might have lacked the punch needed to garner mass appeal.
• Release timing: The film's release date might have also played a role. Competing with other big-budget releases could have diluted Focus's potential audience.
• Critical Reception: While not universally panned, Focus received mixed reviews, with some critics finding the plot predictable or the romance unconvincing. Negative critical buzz can significantly impact a film's box office performance.

<h2>The Legacy of Focus: A Lesson in Hollywood Uncertainty</h2>

Despite its underperformance, Focus serves as a valuable reminder of the unpredictable nature of the film industry. Even the most talented actors and compelling scripts cannot guarantee box office success. The film's relative failure highlights the importance of meticulous marketing, strategic release planning, and a film's ability to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

<h3>The Suicide Squad Effect: A Different Story</h3>

The success of Suicide Squad the following year, despite its own mixed reviews, proved that the chemistry between Smith and Robbie could translate to massive box office success. This highlights the crucial role of genre, timing, and overall marketing strategy in determining a film's fate. Suicide Squad's success capitalized on a different genre and a vastly different marketing approach, demonstrating the importance of understanding the target audience and tailoring the campaign accordingly.

<h2>Conclusion: More Than Just a Box Office Story</h2>

The story of Focus is more than just a box office tale; it's a case study in the complex dynamics of Hollywood. It underscores the multifaceted factors that contribute to a film's success or failure, reminding us that even the most star-studded casts are not immune to the unpredictable nature of the industry. While Focus might not have reached the heights of Suicide Squad, it remains a fascinating example of how a film's potential can be impacted by factors beyond the talent involved. The film serves as a cautionary tale and a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.