Following in the footsteps of the Venom franchise, Sony decided to use its quota of characters related to and from the Spider-Man comics despite the titular lead joining the big leagues of the MCU. Now, the latest entrant to that fabric, Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney starrer Madame Web, just released for previews and the reception did not exactly pan out as planned. With hardly a day before it hits US theaters, critical reviews have come down hard.

With a star-studded and young cast, the film aimed to please a wide audience base. Yet, things do not appear to have worked out.

Madame Web gets entangled in disappointment just a day before release

Despite Dakota Johnson playing Cassandra Webb, a paramedic who gains psychic abilities, and Sydney Sweeney playing the first-ever live-action version of Spider-Woman aka Julia Carpenter, Madame Web debuted at a lowly 23% on Rotten Tomatoes. The shocking reception ranked far below the anticipated hype. An overwhelming number of critics pointed at a lackluster storyline. Furthermore, many called out a lack of chemistry between the actors.

Ironically, the first reactions to the trailer stood polar opposite to the current outlook. Reviews also mentioned the movie’s failure to catch the magic that made other female-led comic book movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever rise to the charts. Finally, with a $80 million budget and also carrying Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epp, Emma Roberts, and Adam Scott, Madame Web may face a tough struggle following its 14 February release date.

Although the movie’s fortune may soon swing up as a wider audience gets access to it, its current position marked devastating lows for the lead.

Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney drop down from 100%

Madame Web debuting with a 23% score may not be a new low for Sony with 2022’s Morbius at 15%. However, Dakota Johnson marked a new high with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for The Disappearance of Shere Hite in 2023. Coincidentally, Sydney Sweeney also scored a 100% in another 2023 release, Americana. Thus, their combined flick’s latest score may come as a jolt for the fandom.

As far as future projects are concerned, The Fifty Shades of Grey star has Madame Web as the sole 2024 in her catalog as of now. However, The White Lotus actress will soon debut with a horror flick, Immaculate on March 22, 2024. Thereafter, her presence in the aforementioned show stands yet to be confirmed despite new cast additions.

What are your reactions to Madame Web landing to a 23% Rotten Tomatoes score? Let us know in the comments below.