Clint Eastwood’s latest film is generating buzz, but unfortunately, it has received minimal exposure in theaters.

Throughout his illustrious career, Clint Eastwood’s films have amassed a staggering $3.8 billion at the North American box office, showcasing his status as a cinematic icon. Since the 1960s, Eastwood has consistently delivered box office hits, particularly with Warner Bros., his long-time studio partner. Notably, all of the Dirty Harry films found success under this banner. His filmography is diverse, spanning award-winning dramas like Unforgiven, Mystic River, and Million Dollar Baby, to thrilling action flicks such as Firefox and Sudden Impact. Even lighter fare, such as the comedy featuring Clyde the Orangutan, has managed to break even. Despite a few missteps, Eastwood’s remarkable ability to create engaging films has led to significant financial successes, including American Sniper, which grossed over half a billion dollars, and both The Mule and Sully each surpassing the $100 million mark in domestic earnings.

Given Clint Eastwood’s impressive track record, it seems surprising that his latest film, Juror No 2, has been relegated to a limited release, seemingly disregarding the legacy he has built as a filmmaker. This film, which is speculated to be his final project with Warner Bros., deserves more attention, especially considering its favorable reviews and strong cast, featuring Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette, who reunite after their work in About a Boy. Fans and critics alike expected a more prominent release for Juror No 2, one that would honor Eastwood’s longstanding contributions to cinema. However, Warner Bros. has opted for a minimal theatrical footprint, neglecting to report box office earnings, which raises questions about their marketing strategy for such an iconic director.

Some industry insiders suggest that Warner Bros. CEO, David Zaslav, may be hesitant to give Juror No 2 a wider release due to concerns over potential financial losses. Zaslav previously criticized the studio’s decision to produce Cry Macho, labeling it a flop despite its performance during the pandemic, where it was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. Comparatively, Cry Macho managed to earn $10 million in the U.S. market, a figure that, although modest, exceeded that of several other high-profile films released that year, including Reminiscence and The Many Saints of Newark. Given the star power of actors like Hugh Jackman and Angelina Jolie, it’s surprising that Cry Macho was labeled a failure, especially when it performed comparably to The Little Things, featuring Denzel Washington, whose star power remains unquestioned.

The irony of the situation is striking: while Warner Bros. has chosen not to disclose Juror No 2’s box office performance domestically, the film has excelled internationally, generating over $10 million despite its subdued release strategy. This suggests that there is a significant audience for Eastwood’s work that remains untapped in the domestic market. Historically, Eastwood has demonstrated a keen understanding of his audience’s preferences, and while Juror No 2 may not rank among his greatest films, it delivers a compelling morality tale with standout performances from Hoult, Collette, as well as a strong supporting cast featuring Kiefer Sutherland, J.K. Simmons, and Cedric Yarborough, who impressively step outside their usual roles.

Renowned filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro encapsulated the film’s essence with his comments on Bluesky, expressing his admiration:

“Went to the theatre to see Juror #2, Clint Eastwood’s latest film. We enjoyed it tremendously. It’s – in some ways- his Crimes and Misdemeanors. The film is precisely and assuredly filmed, and it’s Nicolas Hoult’s to lead. The cast delivers beautifully, and it has an ending that sets the theatre abuzz. Its central dilemma reminded me of the quiet turmoil boiling under Dana Andrews in Preminger Noir of your choice (for me- Where The Sidewalk Ends). It wrestles with it supported by a well-paced structure and well-pondered twists. Why was this not released widely in the States? We saw at the Grove with a significant crowd that was vocal and responsive all the way. I truly hope WB can hold it longer. Eastwood is a master filmmaker and the steady, unfussy craft reveals him still in great form. Go see it on the big screen!”

Have you had the chance to experience Juror No 2? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!