Ralph Fiennes Believed His Career Was Finished After 1998 Action Film’s 5% Rotten Tomatoes Rating

Ralph Fiennes is widely regarded as one of the most esteemed actors to emerge from Britain, recognized for his compelling performances and commanding screen presence. He gained international fame in the 1990s, notably for his haunting role as Amon Göth, the Nazi war criminal, in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed film Schindler’s List. This performance not only secured him an Academy Award nomination but also earned him a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor.

Over the years, Fiennes has successfully balanced commercial projects with profound artistic endeavors. His portrayal of M in the James Bond series starting with Skyfall in 2012 added a fresh dynamic to the franchise, while his role as Gustave H. in Wes Anderson’s whimsical The Grand Budapest Hotel showcased his versatility. Recently, Fiennes captivated audiences again as Cardinal Lawrence in the gripping political drama Conclave. Despite his ongoing success, there was a challenging period in the late 1990s when he questioned the viability of his career.

The 1998 Spy Film That Made Ralph Fiennes Fear for His Career

The Turkey of All Turkeys

The Avengers featuring Ralph Fiennes, Uma Thurman, and Sean Connery

Fiennes faced a significant professional setback after the dismal reception of the 1998 film The Avengers. Alongside renowned stars Uma Thurman and Sean Connery, this adaptation of the beloved 1960s British television series struggled to resonate with audiences, resulting in a disappointing box office performance and earning a mere 5% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s failure was particularly hard-hitting for Fiennes, who found himself questioning the direction of his career.

In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Fiennes expressed the disappointment he felt post-The Avengers. Although he fully committed to portraying John Steed, the film was criticized for its incoherent narrative, uninspiring action, and failure to capture the appeal of the original series. The gravity of this experience is captured in Fiennes’ reflection:

I was having a slightly up-and-down moment. I had done this big turkey: The Avengers, which was
the turkey of all turkeys.
They didn’t even have a premiere. They didn’t even have screenings. They just said, “Put it out and then shut your eyes.” And so I was literally thinking, as you do if that comes your way,
Oh, my career is over.

This was a fantastic sort of antidote to the anxiety of what’s going to happen post-Avengers. I love [End of the Affair] author Graham Greene. I love his warped characters and questions of morality. I just love him as an author. And so this came up, and it completely was the stuff I love in terms of English literature.

Though Fiennes initially believed the aftermath of The Avengers could mark the end of his career, he quickly rebounded by returning to the types of roles that had initially brought him acclaim. In 1999, he starred in The End of the Affair, a romantic drama that not only reaffirmed his exceptional talent but also allowed him to engage deeply with material he admired.

Our Perspective on Ralph Fiennes’ Redemption After The Avengers

One Bad Role Doesn’t Define a Career

Ralph Fiennes as John Steed pulling a sword out of his umbrella in The Avengers 1998

Ralph Fiennes’ experience with The Avengers highlights a critical lesson in the world of acting: even the most esteemed performers can encounter considerable obstacles. The 1990s indeed marked a crucial period in Fiennes’ career, serving as a poignant reminder that not every ambitious project guarantees success. However, rather than allowing The Avengers to dictate his career trajectory, Fiennes chose to pursue projects that aligned more closely with his artistic vision.

This challenging period ultimately became a significant inflection point for the actor, allowing him to solidify a legacy filled with remarkable performances. From his iconic portrayal of Voldemort in the Harry Potter series to memorable roles in Skyfall and The Grand Budapest Hotel, and now his buzz-worthy performance in Conclave, Fiennes exemplifies the resilience of an artist who can navigate through adversity and emerge even stronger than before.

Source: VF

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