Disney kicked off 2025 in spectacular fashion, with two blockbuster releases crossing the $1 billion milestone at the global box office. The live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch was the first to achieve this feat, swiftly followed by Zootopia 2, which hit the same mark in just 17 days. Given the studio’s successes throughout the year, their decision to pull a recently released film from theaters has come as quite a shock. Yet, the film’s dismal performance overseas made Disney rethink their strategy for Ella McCay, set to hit screens soon.
What’s the Deal with ‘Ella McCay’ and Why is It in Trouble?
The return of the esteemed director James L. Brooks came with high hopes for Ella McCay, featuring a stellar cast that includes Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, and Woody Harrelson. Typically, such star power would guarantee solid box office sales.
However, this wasn’t the case. The film launched in the U.S. on December 12, but shockingly, it became one of Disney’s biggest box office failures. Following uninspiring reviews and widespread audience disinterest, Disney made the choice to cancel its planned release in France, just weeks away from the date as revealed by World of Reel.
In its opening weekend, Ella McCay earned a mere $2 million despite being shown on over 2,500 screens. The film then saw its revenue plunge by 84% in the subsequent week. As of Christmas Day, it had raked in less than $4.3 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo.
Box Office Figures for Ella McCay:
- Domestic: $3,761,774
- International: $499,231
- Worldwide Total: $4,261,005
The international intake below $500,000 likely played a significant role in Disney’s cancellation decision. With disappointing critical reviews exacerbating the film’s plight, it’s no wonder Disney pulled back.
Critics and Fans Weigh In: Ella McCay’s Review Shortcomings
While Ella McCay might not have garnered the usual buzz associated with Disney films, its audience scores weren’t impressive either. It barely hit a 56% rating based on more than 250 verified reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, leaving critics particularly unimpressed, with an overall score sitting at only 23% from 112 reviews, marking it as a “rotten” film.
In a biting review, Maxance Vincent from InSession Film gave Ella McCay a “D-”. His comments about the film were blunt: “If this painfully unfunny comedy is what we consider a triumphant return to cinemas, then this era should probably stay buried,” he stated succinctly.
Additionally, Metacritic bestowed a score of 39 upon the film, showing only five positive reviews among a slew of negative assessments. The audience’s take, based on 17 ratings, resulted in a disappointing 4.1 out of 10, with nearly half categorizing it as a negative experience.
Interestingly, amid the criticism, World of Reel highlighted a positive opinion from one French critic who thoroughly enjoyed the film. Jean Jacky Goldberg from Les Inrockuptibles praised it, showcasing the divided reactions to the film.
As Disney wraps up an impressive 2025, the cancellation of Ella McCay leaves them facing an uphill battle as they head into 2026.
— End of Article —
