Will Smith & Margot Robbie Teamed Up Before Suicide Squad – But This Movie Bombed

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Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Will Smith & Margot Robbie's Forgotten Flop: Before Suicide Squad, This Movie Bombed

Will Smith and Margot Robbie are two of Hollywood's biggest stars, known for their blockbuster hits and undeniable on-screen charisma. Their pairing in Suicide Squad was electrifying, but few remember their earlier collaboration – a film that, unlike their later successes, spectacularly bombed at the box office. This lesser-known project offers a fascinating glimpse into the careers of these A-listers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and the sometimes-elusive magic that makes a movie a hit.

Before they were Harley Quinn and Deadshot, captivating audiences worldwide, Smith and Robbie shared the screen in the 2015 film Focus. While the film boasted a star-studded cast and a premise promising a thrilling con artist narrative, it ultimately failed to resonate with audiences in the way many expected. But why did Focus bomb, despite its seemingly winning combination?

The Allure of Focus: A Slick Con Artist Tale

Focus presented a compelling premise: a veteran con man (Will Smith) takes a young, ambitious woman (Margot Robbie) under his wing, teaching her the tricks of the trade. The film promised a whirlwind of twists, turns, and dazzling con artistry set against the backdrop of glamorous locations like New Orleans and Buenos Aires. The marketing materials highlighted the chemistry between Smith and Robbie, emphasizing the cat-and-mouse dynamic between their characters.

However, the film’s execution fell short of expectations. While the performances were generally praised, particularly Robbie's breakout role, the plot was criticized for being convoluted and predictable in places. The film’s attempts at sophisticated twists felt somewhat forced, leaving audiences feeling unsatisfied rather than cleverly duped.

Why Focus Failed to Capture the Box Office Gold

Several factors contributed to Focus's box office disappointment:

• Over-saturation of the genre: The con artist genre was already well-trodden territory in 2015, with numerous films offering similar themes and narratives. Focus failed to differentiate itself sufficiently, resulting in a lack of unique appeal.
• Marketing misfire: While the marketing campaign highlighted the star power of Smith and Robbie, it arguably failed to effectively communicate the film's unique selling proposition. The trailers might have over-promised on the complexity of the plot, leading to audience disappointment.
• Mixed critical reception: Although not universally panned, Focus received mixed reviews from critics, who often pointed to plot holes and a lack of originality. Negative critical buzz can significantly impact a film's box office performance.
• Unclear target audience: The film attempted to balance humor, romance, and high-stakes action, potentially alienating segments of the audience who were expecting a more focused narrative.

A Valuable Lesson in Hollywood's Unpredictability

The failure of Focus serves as a reminder that even the most promising projects with A-list stars can falter. It emphasizes the importance of a well-defined narrative, effective marketing, and positive critical reception in ensuring a film's success. While Focus may not be remembered as a cinematic triumph, it provides a compelling case study in what can go wrong, even with a seemingly winning combination of talent and a captivating premise. It also highlights the resilience of Smith and Robbie, who went on to achieve even greater success with their later collaborations, demonstrating their ability to learn from past experiences and ultimately conquer the Hollywood landscape. The Focus experience, however, serves as a cautionary tale for both filmmakers and audiences, proving that even the brightest stars can't guarantee box office gold.