The years haven’t
been kind to Douglas Hauser, the secret agent character played by both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Colin Farrell in versions of the futuristic action film “Total Recall” released 22 years apart.
The release of the modern-day version of the film on August 3 by Sony Pictures Entertainment, scarcely outsold the 1990 version that featured Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone, despite playing in 1,500 more theaters and at a time when ticket prices are higher.
The rebooted version, which stars Farrell as a dispirited worker who has lost his memory of being a secret agent, generated $26 million this weekend at the U.S. and Canadian box offices, according to Hollywod.com’s box office division.
The 1990 version grossed $25.5 million in ticket sales and played on 2,060 screens. The new version is playing on 3,601 screens.
Whatever the reasons, Sony Pictures Entertainment spent an estimated $138 million for the rebooted version of the movie, which also stars Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale.
Sony would not comment about comparisons with the earlier version but stressed in a statement to reporters that the take for the new “Total Recall” was “in line with tracking and industry expectations.” (Reuters)