It’s no secret that Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters” did not do well commercially. It’s Neon’s most expensive film ever, with a budget of around $20M, and it made only $9M during its North American theatrical run.
Now, obviously, a high box office does not equate to high quality or long-term cultural value, and Boots tried to make this point on social media by listing his film alongside “The Wizard of Oz,” “Citizen Kane,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Blade Runner,” “Fight Club,” and … “The Wiz”?
All of the films listed, save for ‘Boosters,’ were considered commercial disappointments upon their initial release but later became classics or cult favorites. He’s suggesting that ‘Boosters’ could follow a similar trajectory. Self-deprecating? Confident? Delusional?
The film will star Hugh Jackman, while Hugh Grant and Owen Cooper are circling roles. Jack Thorne, who is red-hot, thanks to his acclaimed Netflix series’ "Adolescence” and “Lord of the Flies,” wrote the script.