Gerard Butler's $100M Sci-Fi Flop Becomes Streaming Hit

Over the last 25 years, Gerard Butler has established himself as one of the most iconic action stars of all time, though not all of his movies have been massive successes. Last year, Butler starred in the highest-grossing movie of his career with the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. A sequel is already slated for release in 2027, so it wouldn't be surprising if it surpasses the original with even greater box office returns. A few years ago, Butler struggled at the box office with the debut of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, which went on to become one of the most-watched movies of the year on Netflix after failing to gross even $60 million against a $40 million budget.

Butler has starred in only two movies this year: Greenland 2: Migration and In the Hand of Dante. The latter was finally released on Netflix earlier in the year, but it had a relatively quiet debut, struggling to reach the streaming heights of some of Netflix's other blockbusters. Greenland 2: Migration also struggled, though its difficulties were more box office than streaming related. The Greenland sequel entered theaters with a $90 million budget, meaning it needed to make close to $200 million to break even, and it grossed only $45 million at the box office. The film has since become one of the most-watched titles in the world on HBO Max, where it also streams in America.

What Is 'Greenland 2: Migration' About?

Some fans have asked about a potential third installment in the Greenland franchise, but after the sequel's box office failure, whatever future plans were in place are likely dead in the water. In addition to Gerard Butler, Greenland 2: Migration also stars Morena Baccarin, best known for her roles in the Deadpool movies and Sheriff Country. The film was directed by Ric Roman Waugh, who recently helmed the Jason Statham action movie Shelter. The official synopsis for Greenland 2: Migration reads: "In the aftermath of a comet strike that decimated most of the planet, the Garrity family must leave the safety of their Greenland bunker to traverse a shattered world in search of a new home."