Why Are There Few Biblical Films by Major Studios Anymore?

It is often observed that the production of biblical films by major film studios has diminished significantly in recent decades. Several factors, including the secularization of society and the intricacies of the film industry, contribute to this trend. Let's delve into these reasons further.

Secularization of Society

The decline in religious observance, particularly in Western countries with historical Christian roots, has had a considerable impact on the demand for religious-themed films. For instance, in Australia, church attendance rates have been decreasing steadily since the 1960s. As societies become more secular, the interest in films that contemplate religious themes wanes.

Films in Business: Making Money

The primary motive of Hollywood studios is to generate revenue. They produce films that resonate with the contemporary audience and offer a significant return on investment. In the context of biblical films, the absence of well-received box office results has led to fewer productions. These films often face scrutiny from an audience that may not be receptive to the interpretations or narratives presented by directors and writers.

Financial and Talent Considerations

Several factors contribute to the unprofitability of biblical films. Despite including big-name actors and directors, these movies often lack the audience appeal to achieve commercial success.

Box Office Performance

Consider the following list of notable biblical films released since 2004:

Darren Aronofsky's Noah: Directed by a renowned auteur, this film attracted significant attention but did not perform well at the box office. The movie had a high budget and considerable marketing, yet it struggled to connect with its intended audience.

Catherine Hardwicke's The Good Shepherd: This film, rooted in biblical narratives, did not gain traction despite having a star-studded cast and substantial promotional efforts.

Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings: Similar to other biblical-themed productions, this film faced criticism and underperforming box office results, despite its production values and cast.

These examples illustrate that even with the availability of talented actors and directors, biblical films often fail to attract a broad audience. The key challenge lies in the lack of a compelling narrative that resonates with today's viewers.

Shift in Studio Models

Another factor is the evolving strategies of film studios. In recent years, there has been a trend towards creating cinematic universes, such as Marvel's Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars, and others. These franchises allow for consistent revenue streams and are less reliant on any single picture's success.

For biblical films, the creation of such universes is challenging. The religious nature of these texts limits the scope for interpretation and reinvention, which is often a key strategy in maintaining audience interest. Additionally, the modern audience's evolving tastes have made certain film genres less profitable. The same applies to musicals, which once dominated the box office but are now more unpredictable in terms of financial success.

Conclusion

The decline in biblical films produced by major studios is a multifaceted issue driven by societal changes, business models, and the film industry's evolving dynamics. As society becomes more secular and films like Noah and Exodus: Gods and Kings struggle to find their niche, the trend towards cinematic universes continues to shape the future of film production.