From Box Office Slip to Streaming Hit: Rami Malek Finds His Audience on Prime Video
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Rami Malek's spy thriller The Amateur is finding a major second life on Prime Video after struggling during its theatrical run, proving the power of streaming audiences.
The traditional box office continues to prove it is a completely different beast than the living room sofa. According to a recent report by Polygon, Rami Malek is discovering this firsthand as his $60 million spy thriller, The Amateur, officially finds a massive second wind on Prime Video. Despite struggling to make a dent in theaters following its release, the film has climbed the streaming charts to secure the No.
2 spot in the U.S., spending over three weeks firmly entrenched in the platform top 10.
For modern players and entertainment fans who prefer the comfort of home viewing over expensive ticket prices, this kind of turnaround has become a familiar story. Studios pour massive budgets into theatrical runs, only for projects to find their true, appreciative community once they land on subscription services. In The Amateur, based on Robert Littell's 1981 novel, Malek plays a brilliant CIA decoder who blackmails his agency into training him after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack.
Instead of a traditional, muscle bound action hero, viewers get an introverted IT specialist relying purely on intellect to survive and hunt his targets. It is a smart twist on the classic revenge formula. While the theatrical run brought in underwhelming numbers, the streaming algorithm has successfully connected the project with an audience that appreciates a more grounded, cerebral thriller.
As streaming platforms increasingly act as the ultimate second chance for major releases, stories like this highlight a shift in how we consume entertainment. Original reporting and insights come courtesy of Sam Hill at Polygon, available to read in full over at Polygon.com.
Tags: Streaming, Film, Culture, Entertainment
Original article: Polygon