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Ari Aster Jokes About Turning Down 'Morbius' Flop

7/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Filmmaker Ari Aster shared a humorous anecdote about being offered the chance to direct "Morbius," the infamous Marvel film that flopped spectacularly. Directed by Daniel Espinosa, it earned only $167 million and holds a dismal 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, derailing Sony's ambitious Spider-Man Universe plans.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, Sony Pictures aimed to expand its Spider-Man Universe, initially launched in 2014, to capitalize on Marvel's cinematic success. However, the 2022 release "Morbius," directed by Daniel Espinosa, grossed only $167 million against a $75 million budget, reflecting the difficulties studios face in creating interconnected franchises. This failure has prompted Hollywood to reassess its approach to superhero films, prioritizing quality over quantity.

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Story summary

Filmmaker Ari Aster shared a humorous anecdote about being offered the chance to direct "Morbius," the infamous Marvel film that flopped spectacularly. Directed by Daniel Espinosa, it earned only $167 million and holds a dismal 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, derailing Sony's ambitious Spider-Man Universe plans.

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