Dakota Johnson stepped into the superhero genre with Madame Web, Sony’s 2024 attempt to expand its Spider-Man universe. The film, centered on Cassandra Webb, a paramedic with clairvoyant abilities, promised a fresh take on Marvel’s obscure characters. While Johnson’s casting initially generated buzz, the movie’s blend of supernatural drama and action divided audiences. Critics questioned its pacing and narrative choices, though Johnson’s commitment to the role stood out amid the chaos.

A satirical awards show delivered a brutal verdict on Johnson’s superhero debut, cementing Madame Web as a cautionary Hollywood tale.

Dakota Johnson earned the Worst Actress title at the 2025 Razzie Awards for her role in Madame Web, a film dubbed a superhero misfire by voters. The movie dominated the ceremony, also claiming Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay. Competing against films like Borderlands and Joker: Folie à Deux, Madame Web became the night’s biggest winner, overshadowing even Francis Ford Coppola’s Worst Director win for Megalopolis.

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga joined the dishonor roll, winning Worst Screen Couple for Joker: Folie à Deux. The Razzies, known for their tongue-in-cheek critiques, highlighted Madame Web’s disjointed plot and awkward dialogue. Johnson had promised a thrilling experience during promotions, a stark contrast to the Razzie verdict. The awards intensified debates about Sony’s struggling Spider-Man spin-offs.

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Behind the Razzie ridicule lay a paradoxical truth: Madame Web found unexpected life after its theatrical flop.

Madame Web stumbled at the box office, earning $100.5 million globally against an $80–100 million budget. Critics savaged it as a messy, incoherent spectacle, with some labeling it 2024’s most baffling blockbuster. Yet, a vocal minority praised its campy charm, with social media users ironically celebrating its over-the-top moments.

Madame Web’s trajectory pivoted unexpectedly on streaming after its box office collapse. Between May 13–19, 2024, the film led US streaming charts with 1.16 billion minutes viewed, per Nielsen data, a stark contrast to its theatrical performance. Its revival mirrored cult oddities like 2019’s Cats, showcasing how critically derided projects can morph into so-bad-it’s-good obsessions. Online communities fueled its resurgence, memeifying its campiest moments. For Sony, the streaming success offered a bittersweet redemption arc.

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Did Madame Web deserve its Razzie backlash or was it misunderstood? Share your take below.