8 Lessons Studios Must Learn To Avoid Making Box-Office Duds

Once those incredibly positive reviews started to roll in, it seemed like Blade Runner 2049 was set to have a strong opening weekend at the box-office. But then... its lacklustre $31.5 million domestic bow sent shockwaves through the industry.

How could a film this good - and 2049 is very, very good - stumble right out of the gate? The age of the franchise (and the fact that Blade Runner isn't as popular as people seem to think) definitely didn't help, but the most crucial part of the equation is the movie's long runtime.

2049 is one hundred and sixty-three minutes long, or two hours and forty-three minutes. That is a long, long time to ask mainstream audiences - most of whom probably haven't seen the original - to sit for. Convincing Joe and Jodie public to pay for a 3-hour arthouse blockbuster (and uncomfortable cinema seating) was an impossible task. 2049 was doomed as soon as the final edit was completed.

Other recent films have suffered because of a long running time, too. War For The Planet Of The Apes underperformed, its slow pace and one hundred and forty minute length not resonating with summer audiences who apparently wanted something quicker, and easier to digest.

Hollywood shouldn't compromise the quality of its movies just to appease moviegoers, mind - and 2049 will surely make a pretty penny on home video - but runtime has to be given more attention, at the script stage, than studios seem to give it.