By Corey Atad. Posted: 2 hours ago
“Bros” didn’t bring big audiences to the theater, and its star thinks he knows why.
In its opening weekend, the Judd Apatow-produced comedy ranked fourth at the box office, earning just $4.8 million.
READ MORE: Billy Eichner on his LGBTQ rom-com ‘Bros’: ‘I feel a responsibility to do it right’
That number put him well behind the no. The first film, “Smile,” which earned roughly $22 million, and behind the rest “Don’t Worry Darling” and “The Woman King,” which brought in about $7 million each.
Following news of less-than-stellar “Bros” returns, co-writer and star Billy Eichner took to Twitter to share his reaction to his LGBTQ-themed rom-com.
Describing seeing the film in a sold-out theater in LA, Eichner said the audience “howled with laughter from start to finish,” adding, “I’m SO proud of this movie.”
But he also shared, “What’s also true is that at one point a theater chain called Universal and said they were pulling the trailer because of the gay content. (Uni convinced them not to).
Rolling Stone already has BROS on its list of the best comedies of the 21st century. What’s also true is that at one point a theater chain called Universal and said they were pulling the trailer because of the gay content. (Uni convinced them not to). America, hell yes, etc etc.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) October 2, 2022
Admitting “that’s unfortunately the world we live in,” Eichner noted the film’s strong reviews and strong CinemaScore rating with audiences, adding, “Straight people, especially in certain parts of the country, didn’t show up.”
Everyone who isn’t a homophobic freak should go see BROS tonight! You will have a great time! And it *is* special and uniquely powerful to see this particular story on the big screen, especially for queer people who don’t often get that opportunity. I really like this movie. VOICE BROS!!! ❤️🌈
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) October 2, 2022
Eichner also urged, “Everyone who isn’t a homophobic freak should go see ‘BROS’ tonight!” promising, “You’ll have a blast!”
READ MORE: Billy Eichner to star in rom-com ‘Bros’ with a cast full of LGBTQ+ actors
Despite the poor box office returns, the studio will likely hope that strong word of mouth gives the film some staying power in theaters as they try to recoup their $22 million production budget.
Starring an all-LGBTQ main cast, the film also features Luke Macfarlane, Bowen Yang and more.