After Limited Theatrical Release, Clint Eastwood’s Western Swan Song Officially Emerges as a Netflix Hit

A difficult studio decision

David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO during a period of major cost-cutting, reportedly questioned the choice to approve one of Clint Eastwood’s final films. The studio backed the project because of Eastwood’s long relationship with Warner Bros., despite doubts about its commercial prospects.

The film struggled in theaters. The article says it earned roughly half of its reported $33 million budget, while also noting that it was part of Warner Bros.’ 2021 “Project Popcorn” slate, released in theaters and on HBO Max at the same time.

Streaming brings renewed attention

Eastwood’s film has since found a new audience on Netflix. Its streaming revival follows a disappointing theatrical run, though the article does not give Netflix viewing figures or identify the film by name in that passage. Other films released under the same day-and-date plan, including The Matrix Resurrections, The Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman 1984, also faced commercial setbacks, according to the article.

Juror No. 2 had limited release

Zaslav also faced criticism over the decision not to give Eastwood’s follow-up, Juror No. 2, a North American theatrical release. The film eventually played in about 30 locations and received excellent reviews.

Eastwood called it a day after Juror No. 2 was released in 2024, ending a career that had lasted seven decades. He had seemingly stepped away from acting in 2018, after The Mule.