Disney Cancels Overseas Release of One of its Biggest Box Office Failures in History

Disney has pulled the plug on the overseas release of its 2025 film Ella McCay, a political comedy that bombed at the box office and drew harsh reviews from critics.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• Disney canceled the planned January 7, 2026, theatrical release of Ella McCay in France just weeks before it was set to hit screens.

• The movie, directed by James L. Brooks, grossed only about $3.8 million domestically against a $35 million budget.

• Critics gave it low scores, with a 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and widespread complaints about its outdated style and messy plot.

• Poor word-of-mouth and weak ticket sales likely drove the decision, signaling the end of any broader international rollout.

Disney Canceled Ella McCay’s French Release Due to Dismal U.S. Performance

The cancellation came abruptly for Ella McCay, which was slated to open in French theaters on January 7, 2026. Disney, handling distribution through 20th Century Studios, made the call amid the film’s flop in the United States. No official reason was given, but sources point to toxic buzz and low earnings as key factors.

French audiences won’t see the movie in cinemas now. This move suggests Disney has little faith in recouping costs overseas. The film had already tanked stateside, making an international push seem pointless.

Ella McCay Tells the Story of a Young Politician Balancing Power and Family

Ella McCay follows a talented young politician, played by Emma Mackey, who steps in as her state’s governor while juggling personal life demands. The plot draws from real-world inspirations like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ wife Casey, who battled cancer during his term. Brooks aimed for a mix of comedy and drama in this setup.

The ensemble cast shines on paper, including Woody Harrelson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rebecca Hall, Ayo Edebiri, and Kumail Nanjiani. Albert Brooks also appears in a supporting role.

Box Office Numbers Show Ella McCay as One of 2025’s Biggest Flops

The film opened on December 12, 2025, in over 2,500 U.S. theaters but earned just $2 million in its debut weekend. By Christmas, domestic totals hovered around $3.8 million, with international earnings adding only $500,000 for a global haul of $4.3 million. Against a $35 million production budget, it needed roughly $87 million to break even, a target it never approached.

Ticket sales dropped 84% in the second week, a steep fall that sealed its fate. Analysts rank it among 2025’s worst wide releases, second only to a few other underperformers.

Reddit users compiled data highlighting its poor opening relative to similar films, underscoring the scale of the disappointment.

Critics Found Ella McCay Outdated and Messy Despite Strong Moments

Reviews for Ella McCay landed mostly negative, with a 24% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 39. Critics called it a “messy collection of incoherent characters” in The Guardian, giving it two out of five stars. Roger Ebert‘s site praised its optimism and dialogue but noted flaws in pacing.

Some outlets found positives, like Tom’s Guide calling it “fun and nostalgic” despite imperfections. The New York Times labeled it “bizarre” and suggested it felt like a throwback that didn’t land.

Punch Drunk Critics went harsher, describing everything as “dreadful and dusty.” Overall, the consensus points to a film that failed to connect with modern tastes.

James L. Brooks Returned After 15 Years But Couldn’t Recapture Past Magic

This marks James L. Brooks’ first directorial effort since 2010’s How Do You Know, another box office miss. Known for Oscar winners like Terms of Endearment and As Good as It Gets, Brooks brought his signature style here. Yet reviewers felt it came across as relic-like, set arbitrarily in a pre-smartphone era.

The script’s political themes drew mixed reactions, with some seeing it as out of touch. One French critic, Jean Jacky Goldberg of Les Inrockuptibles, had loved Brooks’ prior work, but that goodwill didn’t save this release.

What Does This Mean for Disney’s 2025 Slate and Future Releases?

Disney’s decision to scrap Ella McCay‘s overseas plans highlights the risks of mid-budget comedies in a tough market. With streaming options looming, the film could hit digital platforms soon to salvage some revenue. It joins a list of 2025 disappointments, pushing studios to rethink release strategies.

Looking ahead, this flop might make Disney more cautious with similar projects, favoring surefire blockbusters over quirky originals. For fans of Brooks or the cast, it serves as a reminder that even big names can’t guarantee success, leaving room for reflection on what audiences want next.

Hat Tips

• World of Reel, December 22, 2025

• The Numbers, “Ella McCay (2025) – Box Office and Financial Information,” accessed December 27, 2025

• Yahoo Entertainment, December 25, 2025

• CBR, December 23, 2025

• Rotten Tomatoes, “Ella McCay”

• Roger Ebert, December 12, 2025

• The Guardian, December 10, 2025

• Tom’s Guide, December 13, 2025

• The New York Times, December 11, 2025

• Punch Drunk Critics, December 12, 2025

Article Compiled and Edited by Ivy Adams.