A recent cinematic release featuring actor Jacob Elordi has struggled to gain traction at the box office, prompting renewed speculation regarding a pervasive internet meme dubbed the 'Kardashian curse.' This phenomenon posits that individuals romantically linked to members of the Kardashian family often experience a decline in their professional endeavors. Elordi's new film, directed by Ridley Scott, has garnered disappointing financial returns and largely unfavorable critical reviews, a stark contrast to his previous critically acclaimed roles.
The film, an apocalyptic drama titled "The Dog Stars," boasts a substantial production budget exceeding $100 million. However, its opening weekend in Australia yielded a mere $623,000, falling considerably short of other contemporary releases such as "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey." Globally, its current earnings of $45 million are notably dwarfed by the $333 million achieved by a different film featuring Elordi's co-star, Margot Robbie, earlier this year.
This underperformance marks an unexpected shift for Elordi, who has recently enjoyed considerable success with projects like "Euphoria," "Saltburn," and "Priscilla." The internet meme suggesting a 'Kardashian curse' has resurfaced in light of his current film's struggles, implying a supernatural influence on the careers of those dating a Kardashian. Elordi's relationship with Kendall Jenner became public in April, with their romance blossoming through various international travels and public appearances.
Critics have not been kind to "The Dog Stars," with its Rotten Tomatoes score of 38 percent placing it among the year's lowest-rated blockbusters. Reviewers have lambasted the film for its unoriginality and tedious narrative. The plot centers on a former pilot, portrayed by Elordi, who embarks on a quest for a better life after a mysterious radio transmission, set against the backdrop of a post-flu pandemic world. Despite the presence of acclaimed actors like Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Allison Janney, the film has failed to resonate with both audiences and critics.
Elordi and Jenner's relationship reportedly began in February, facilitated by Jenner's sister Kylie. Their romance has been widely publicized, with viral moments from their travels and a joint appearance at the London premiere of "The Dog Stars." However, the film's poor commercial and critical performance continues to fuel the popular 'Kardashian curse' narrative.
The box office struggles of Jacob Elordi's latest venture underscore the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. While the 'Kardashian curse' remains a lighthearted internet phenomenon, the film's underwhelming reception has undeniably created a challenging moment in the actor's otherwise flourishing career.
