Christian Bale's 'Newsies': Box Office Bomb or Hidden Gem?

Christian Bale is a name that is known all over the world! He's starred in huge films such as The Dark Knight and American Psycho, showcasing an incredible range. However, before his massive success, there was a moment, a Disney musical called Newsies. A film that was released in 1992, that became a box office bomb! But there's an important lesson for anyone trying to understand this film!

Newsies and Christian Bale's Early Career

Bale, had already had some time under the spotlight. Before he appeared in Newsies he was already acting as a child star! Just four years earlier he appeared in Steven Spielberg's epic movie Empire of the Sun.

Newsies however, came in as the bridge that gave Bale an opportunity to demonstrate that he was truly ready to play more serious roles! While this Disney film was far from a commercial hit. Bale was in a great position as he had his first serious role and he certainly showed he had talent to transition into those bigger parts in the future.

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The Story Of Newsies

Newsies is all about an 1899 strike, featuring young newsboys in New York City! What made it unique and so captivating? It takes the viewers back to a period when the children worked hard selling newspapers, but newspaper corporations took advantage and significantly increased the price for newspapers which only hurt the newsboys.

The strike came in as an act of resilience, and these young, dedicated newsboys really stepped up. You get to experience their fight against big corporations and what they ultimately had to endure!

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Bale's Performance

Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and Batman with a purple hue Image

This Disney musical gave audiences more than a few well known songs. The role played by Bale gave him an epic opportunity! Jack Kelly, played by Bale, takes a central spot. He's charismatic. There is a ton of emotional range. But even that isn't everything that viewers appreciate.

There is an athleticism demonstrated through all his dancing and fight choreography.
There was an opportunity to sing his own part in the musical and even participate in the impressive dance sequences.

It really showcases the ability of Bale in many aspects!

Singing
Dancing
Fighting
Acting

He demonstrated all the impressive skills he used later in his career.

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Bale's Impact

Fans of Christian Bale may not remember his "Newsies" moments but what this movie really highlighted were some key aspects about his future talent and ability that everyone would know.

This movie brought about Bale's acting, including his physicality, even as he demonstrated just how he could bring a lot of charm and be more than just an actor!
What helped highlight that role for him? It's when Bale would showcase his softer and more tender emotions. Even a bit of vulnerability was shown to bring his talent to the top.

In this movie, even though he played a teenager from the end of the 19th Century, he did so in a way that felt believable! It really stood out just how incredibly gifted this teenager was and he went on to bring these traits over to later performances such as Trevor Reznik in The Machinist and Dicky Eklund in The Fighter. What’s really cool, The Fighter is the movie that he would win his Oscar for. And although "Newsies" didn't attract as much success, that did not prevent the amazing, recognizable star who would come to have roles that are just epic.

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Why Newsies Was A Flop:

What a lot of people may not know is just why Newsies did not get that box office boost! While Bale gave an unforgettable, memorable performance. The movie didn't receive a huge number at its opening weekend; only grossing $1.2 million.

There were some significant headwinds preventing the movie from getting that boost!

The genre may have been one thing preventing it! Musicals weren't always a sure thing.
There was also the aspect that some well-known actors may have added to the excitement but may have not added to the ability for the audience to come out and be attracted to the box office.
The most noteworthy problem however. Disney didn't market the movie as a sure win. This serious tone about child labor may have conflicted with the musical, lively songs.

So, even if Newsies didn't have a great debut at theaters, and it was considered a "box office bomb" and not necessarily a popular movie in the grand scheme of Disney's most successful films, it stands out. Because Bale was already preparing himself to play in the highest level projects. If anything, "Newsies" made his legacy even bigger. Even giving audiences some exciting new ways for Christian Bale to be enjoyed! It would come back years later as a stage musical. One that would get plenty of accolades and help show just how unique "Newsies" really was!