Hilary Swank’s illustrious career spans over three decades, showcasing her versatility through numerous film and television roles. Since embarking on her journey in 1991, the Academy Award-winning actress has captivated audiences with performances in significant projects including Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) as Kimberly Hannah, The Next Karate Kid (1994) as Julie Pierce, and her award-winning portrayal of Brandon Teena in Boys Don’t Cry (1999). More recently, she has reunited with Reacher star Alan Ritchson in Ordinary Angels (2024) and delivered a compelling performance as Marissa Bennings in The Good Mother (2023).
Swank’s talents extend beyond the silver screen, as she has also made a significant mark on television. Notable appearances in shows like Camp Wilder, Beverly Hills, 90210, and the critically acclaimed series Yellowjackets have allowed her to maintain a strong presence in the industry. Though she gained prominence in the 1990s, her role in Yellowjackets has rekindled interest in her career, potentially breathing new life into one of her previously underappreciated films.
Resurgence of The Core on Netflix
Global Success Redefined
Released in 2003, Swank starred in the science fiction disaster film The Core, which revolved around a mission to save the Earth’s core using nuclear explosives. Portraying Major Beck Childs, she joined an impressive cast including Aaron Eckhart and Stanley Tucci. Despite a production budget of $85 million (equivalent to about $149 million today), the film garnered dismal reviews, achieving only a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a paltry box office return of just $74 million (around $130 million today).
However, decades later, The Core is witnessing a revival on Netflix. This past week, the film climbed to the #6 position among English-language films globally with 4.5 million views—marking its first appearance in Netflix’s top ten. Notably, its resurgence has crossed borders, achieving top ten rankings in 58 countries, particularly flourishing in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, though it has yet to make an impact in the U.S.
Analyzing The Core‘s Streaming Success
A Fresh Arrival on Netflix
The unexpected popularity of The Core signifies a promising turn for Swank, attributed largely to its recent debut on Netflix. As it gains traction through recommendations in the “New on Netflix”section, the film’s future in the top ten remains uncertain. It’s yet to be determined whether this early success was merely a result of being a trending new release or if it will maintain its popularity. Nevertheless, the revitalization of a project that previously struggled at the box office must feel reassuring for Swank and the film’s creative team.
Despite the renewed interest, The Core has earned a reputation for its questionable dialogue, scientific inaccuracies, and convoluted plotline. This infamous status raises concerns about sustaining viewership in the long run. As Netflix boasts an extensive library of disaster films, interest may wane once the film exits the “New on Netflix”slot. While its trending status could contribute to ongoing viewership, it’s unlikely that this resurgence will completely rectify its historical box office shortcomings.
Source: Netflix