Disney’s latest independent production, “Young Woman and the Sea,” starring Daisy Ridley, has stunned audiences and critics alike with its inspiring narrative yet faces an unusual predicament in the box office arena. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the biographical sports drama recounts the heroic journey of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926. With an astounding 97% audience score and an 85% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, one would expect the film to conquer the box office. Yet, its earnings tell a different story.
Despite the high acclaim, Disney has decided not to disclose the box office figures for this movie. Reports suggest this strategic move aims to position the film as an awards contender without the potentially detrimental shadow of low earnings. Initial estimates suggest that “Young Woman and the Sea” has grossed a modest $500,000 globally—a strikingly low figure for a Disney release. Instead of focusing on box office performance, Disney has opted for a limited two-week theatrical run before moving the film to its streaming platform, Disney+.
The reception for “Young Woman and the Sea” has been incredibly positive, but the film’s modest financial performance could be attributed to several factors, including limited screenings, minimal marketing, and stiff competition from high-profile releases such as “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” “IF,” and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” These aspects overshadowed the movie’s impressive storyline and performances, leading to what many would call underwhelming box office numbers.
Regardless of the cinematic landscape’s challenge, Daisy Ridley’s collaboration with Disney is far from over. Known for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Ridley is set to return to the iconic franchise with a new film. This upcoming project will be set 15 years after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and will follow her character in her quest to establish a new Jedi Order.
As “Young Woman and the Sea” continues to inspire viewers in theaters, we would love to hear your thoughts on Disney’s strategic decisions and Ridley’s performances. What do you think of Disney’s move to not reveal box office numbers? Share your opinions in the comments below and don’t hesitate to share this story with your friends and family!
