Directed by Gareth Edwards, the same mind behind “Rogue One” and “Godzilla”, the science fiction film “The Creator” is getting a second chance, becoming one of the most-watched productions on Prime Video‘s catalog in early 2026. The story, which reimagines the Vietnam War in a future dominated by a war against artificial intelligence, arrived on the streaming platform after a discreet theatrical run in 2023. This resurgence shows how success in streaming can rewrite a film’s trajectory, giving new life to a production that, despite its visual grandeur, failed to win over audiences at the time of its original release.
Expected to remain popular throughout January, the feature film ranks among the service’s most popular, thanks to a combination of elements. The plot follows Joshua, a former special forces agent played by John David Washington (“Tenet”), on a mission to find and neutralize a secret weapon with the power to end humanity. However, the key differentiator lies in how the story is told, with stunning visual effects that earned it an Oscar nomination in 2024. In this way, the film proves that an original concept and impeccable technical execution can find their ideal audience outside of traditional movie theaters.
From box office failure to audience recognition
Despite the talent behind the cameras and a stellar cast, which also includes names like Gemma Chan and Ken Watanabe, “The Creator” was considered a commercial failure. The film grossed only about 104 million dollars globally, a figure that, when compared to its budget of approximately 80 million, did not cover the total production and marketing costs. However, this narrative has completely changed in the digital environment. Meanwhile, the reception from critics and, especially, from the general audience has always been warmer, with a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes from viewers, who often praise the emotional weight and originality of the work.
Many fans of the genre, who may have missed the film in theaters, are now discovering the production and hailing it as a masterpiece. Comments on platforms highlight the positive surprise and the depth of the story, which goes beyond action clichés. Therefore, the journey of “The Creator” serves as an emblematic case for the industry in 2026: success today is measured in multiple ways, and a streaming window can be the ultimate redemption for ambitious projects. In this way, Edwards’ film solidifies itself not only as a visually striking product but as a cultural phenomenon that has found its place.
