Lea Thompson has recently spoken out about the financial success of the 1986 film “Howard the Duck,” despite its reputation as a critical and commercial disaster. The film, which has since developed a dedicated cult following, was one of the first live-action adaptations of a Marvel Comics character and was produced by George Lucas, famously known for his work on the “Star Wars” franchise.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Lea-Thompson-Howard-the-Duck-110326-9a917a3292d94481b0706625d58fc63e.jpg)
In a candid interview on the “Taboo’s Comics & Kicks” podcast, the 65-year-old actress reflected on the film’s legacy, addressing the perception that it was a colossal failure. “Well, you know what? That wasn’t even presented to me until Marvel films became a big deal. And everybody went, ‘Wait a second. Howard the Duck, the famous bomb of the century?’” Thompson remarked, indicating that the film had a different impact than many realised.
“Howard the Duck” features a distinctive narrative revolving around a sarcastic duck who is transported from his home planet to Earth in order to thwart an alien invasion. Alongside Thompson, the film features actor Tim Robbins in a supporting role. While the film’s quirky premise contributed to its unique charm, it was released during a period when expectations were remarkably high, particularly following the success of “Star Wars,” which grossed over $300 million domestically during its initial release.
Despite the box office figures indicating a total gross of approximately $37.9 million, which may not seem remarkable by today’s standards, Thompson insists that it was financially successful for its time. “Even though, you know what? It made a lot of money. It made its money,” she added, acknowledging that the film’s financial performance was often overshadowed by its critical reception.
Thompson’s comments come shortly after Tim Robbins shared insights about their experience on set during a recent interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. He described the film’s production as “confusing,” highlighting the challenges faced by the cast and crew during filming. Robbins has also unveiled a short film titled “Rough Day in Duckland,” comprising footage collected while working on “Howard the Duck.” The film showcases the behind-the-scenes moments from an era when he first began experimenting with video production.
In the video, Robbins reflects on his experience of filming in San Francisco in 1985, stating, “In 1985, I had made enough money pretending to be other people to afford a Panasonic video camera. I brought it wherever I went.” His foray into amateur filmmaking added a personal touch to his memories of the film, capturing the essence of life on set during a unique production.
“Rough Day in Duckland” serves as a reminder of the unexpected experiences that often come with film production. Robbins stored this piece of cinema history along with many other adventures in cardboard boxes, and he describes this short as the first of several discoveries he plans to share through his new platform, Tim TV.
The revival of interest in “Howard the Duck” showcases the film’s evolution from its initial release to its current standing as a cult classic. Audiences have learned to embrace its eccentricities and idiosyncrasies, celebrating it for the unique cinematic experience it offers. Thompson expressed appreciation for the fans who have continued to support and love the film, stating, “It was not a perfect movie in any stretch of the imagination, but people really love it, and I love my fans.”
The journey of “Howard the Duck” reflects a significant shift in the perception of films that are initially dismissed. Over the decades, many movies with lacklustre reception have found renewed appreciation, often due to the affection shown by passionate fan communities. The film’s blend of comedy, science fiction, and surrealism may not have resonated with mainstream audiences at the time, but it has undeniably carved out a niche for itself in pop culture history.
Today, Thompson and Robbins have become voices for a film that, despite its flaws, has made a lasting impact on those who have discovered its charm long after its release. As they revisit their experiences of making the film, they invite audiences to reconsider the complexities of what constitutes success in the film industry.
About the Author
