Peter Jackson’s Biggest Box Office Flop Is Getting A Second Life On Netflix

There are several reasons why «Mortal Engines» bombed at the box office, but the most pronounced is how the marketing wasn’t able to communicate the film’s narrative to audiences. Set thousands of years in the future, the pic imagines a world where cities are large vehicles moving through wastelands, obliterating or consuming other states in their path. Things get complicated for Tom (Robert Sheehan), one of the residents of the London-based cities, when he encounters the strange Hester (Hera Hilmar), who has devious plans waiting to unfold.

The world of «Mortal Engines» is undoubtedly impressive to look at, with critics praising the film’s visual design and aesthetic. On paper, it seemed like the property was the perfect franchise for Peter Jackson to adapt, especially considering the success of «Lord of the Rings» («Return of the King» won every Oscar it was nominated for, including best picture and best director). Unfortunately, Jackson wasn’t entirely at the helm of the behemoth that was «Mortal Engines,» handing directorial duties over to Christian Rivers, his long-time protégé. 

Rivers’ efforts shouldn’t be sidelined, however, as Jackson gave him considerable control over the final product. «We helped Christian in the way that the role of producer is really to let the director focus on his work and try to not let the other problems of production land on the director’s head,» Jackson told Entertainment Weekly. While the final product was a misfire, it’s clear that Jackson and Rivers poured their souls into «Mortal Engines» — a film that is finally getting the second life it deserves on Netflix.