Despite its $60 million budget, 'Alfie', a remake of the 1966 film which also starred Michael Caine, failed to recoup its investment and marked the Oscar-winning actor's 'first major flop.'
- Nov 14, 2024
AceShowbiz - Two-time Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law has shared his regrets over his role in the 2004 blockbuster bomb "Alfie". In a revealing interview with GQ, Law described the film as "a bad move" and a misstep in his career.
"Alfie", a remake of the 1966 film starring Michael Caine, was Law's "first major flop." Despite its $60 million budget, the film failed to recoup its investment, grossing only slightly over half of its production costs. Critics also panned the remake, labeling it "labored and implausible."
Law, who had just received another Oscar nomination for his role in "Cold Mountain", attributed his decision to take on 'Alfie' to his strong position in the industry at the time. However, after viewing an early screening of the film, his heart sank. He had envisioned a grittier and more meaningful project.
"I just felt it hadn't elevated [the material] and felt a little light, a little too cheesy," Law said. He also criticized the film's excessive budget and his own high salary, which he underestimated at the time.
Law admitted that the reception to 'Alfie' damaged his confidence as an actor. "Everyone has hits, everyone has flops," he said. "But yes, I think it did. It also made me aware that, when you are fresh out of the gate, everyone is intrigued and everyone wants a piece of you. And then as soon as you have a couple of misfires, their attention goes elsewhere."
Despite the setback, Law has since gone on to star in numerous critically acclaimed films, including "Hugo", "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Fantastic Beasts". He will next be seen in "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew", which will premiere on Disney+ in December 2023.