The film featured a loaded cast, including Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, and John Cena, but even that couldn’t save it from critical blowback and audience indifference. Rotten Tomatoes holds the film at a 33% critics score and a 70% audience score—a mixed reception that never translated to buzz, despite Apple’s heavy marketing.
In a recent interview with The Independent, Howard offered a surprisingly candid take on the film’s failure—and revealed that she, and likely Cavill too, wasn’t surprised by the outcome.
“You can always see it coming while you’re making it,” Howard said. “I’ve never been shocked when something doesn’t work. But I’m just an actor – you’re there to serve a director’s vision. If a movie doesn’t turn out the way that you envisioned, you can barely feel disappointed because it’s not yours. You’re not the person who’s building the thing.”
That comment might raise eyebrows, but Howard was quick to add that her father, legendary director Ron Howard, doesn’t see it the same way:
“He breaks down emotionally when his films don’t do well. He can’t understand why I’m not the same. But I’ve just let that go.”
What Is Henry Cavill Making Next?
Argylle is now streaming on Apple TV+, if you’re curious to see the movie that somehow made a $200 million spy caper starring Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa feel forgettable.