Will Smith And Margot Robbie Teamed Up Before Suicide Squad – But This Movie Failed

Admin

2 min read

Post on Apr 28, 2025

4.6

Share

Will Smith and Margot Robbie's Forgotten Film Flop: Before "Suicide Squad," There Was "Focus"

Will Smith and Margot Robbie are now box-office powerhouses, frequently starring in blockbuster hits. Their sizzling chemistry in Suicide Squad cemented their status as a popular on-screen pairing. But few remember their collaboration before the DC universe – a film that, despite its star power, significantly underperformed: Focus. Let's delve into this often-forgotten pre-Harley Quinn and Deadshot pairing and explore why this heist film failed to ignite the box office.

A Sparkling Cast, a Diminutive Return:

Focus, released in 2015, boasted a stellar cast beyond Smith and Robbie. It featured talented actors like Gerald McRaney and BD Wong, adding depth to the narrative. The film, a romantic crime caper, followed Nicky Spurgeon (Smith), a seasoned con artist, who takes the novice Jess Barrett (Robbie) under his wing. Their relationship evolves into a complex dance of deception and desire, layered with thrilling heists and unexpected twists.

The Marketing Misfire and Critical Backlash:

While the film's premise promised excitement, the marketing campaign seemingly failed to capture the audience's attention effectively. Perhaps the trailers didn't convey the intricate plot or the subtle nuances of the relationship dynamic as well as they could have. This led to lower-than-expected box office numbers, despite the star power.

Further hindering the film's success was a mixed reception from critics. While some praised the performances and the slick direction, others criticized the predictable plot and inconsistent tone. The blend of romance and crime didn't quite gel for some viewers, leading to a divided critical consensus.

Why Focus Didn't Find Its Audience:

Several factors likely contributed to Focus's underperformance:

• Over-saturation of the Genre: 2015 saw a number of heist films vying for audience attention. Focus may have gotten lost in the shuffle amongst its more successful competitors.
• Misjudged Target Audience: The film's marketing may have misjudged its target demographic, failing to reach those most likely to appreciate its blend of romance and crime.
• Underwhelming Plot: While visually appealing, some critics felt the plot was predictable and lacked originality, hindering its ability to captivate audiences fully.

The Legacy of Focus:

Despite its box office disappointment, Focus remains an interesting footnote in the careers of both Will Smith and Margot Robbie. It showcased their individual talents and hinted at the on-screen chemistry that would later explode in Suicide Squad. The film serves as a reminder that even with A-list stars, a successful film requires a well-executed script, a compelling marketing campaign, and a story that resonates with audiences. It's a case study in how even a well-cast film can stumble if other elements aren't perfectly aligned. Ultimately, Focus highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the many factors that determine a movie's success or failure.