In a dramatic move, Disney has pulled its star-studded political comedy Ella McCay from its scheduled French theatrical release following a catastrophic performance at the box office.
A Star-Studded Disaster
The film, which marked the directorial return of Oscar-winner James L. Brooks after 15 years, assembled an impressive cast. Fronted by Sex Education's Emma Mackey, the story follows a young woman navigating scandal after becoming governor. She is supported by scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis as her aunt, alongside Kumail Nanjiani, Jack Lowden, Ayo Edebiri, and Woody Harrelson.
Despite this pedigree, Ella McCay proved a monumental commercial failure. It debuted in cinemas on December 12, 2025, and immediately became one of the worst opening weekends of all time. The film recouped a mere $2.1 million of its $35 million budget.
Critics Panned, Audiences Stayed Away
The second week offered no respite, with ticket sales plummeting by around 75%. According to Box Office Mojo, this collapse places it among the 100 worst second weeks in box office history. The critical reception was brutally unforgiving, with the film holding a dismal 24% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Jonathan Romney of the Financial Times delivered a scathing one-star review, labelling it a ‘woolly, self-congratulatory fossil of a film’. John Nugent from Empire Magazine branded it an ‘odd, messy shambles’, noting that while the performances were earnest, almost everything else was faultable.
Audience reviews were slightly more forgiving at 54%, with some viewers, like James D, finding it ‘too quirky and earnest for its own good’. This modest audience approval may offer a glimmer of hope for the film's inevitable streaming release.
Future Prospects and Cast Impact
The decision to cancel its French release, scheduled for January 7, 2026, underscores the scale of the disappointment. For Emma Mackey, this was her first leading role in a feature since 2022's Emily, following her BAFTA Rising Star Award win in 2023. The film's failure is a significant setback for a performer once tipped for major stardom.
Ultimately, Ella McCay serves as a stark reminder that a celebrated director and an A-list ensemble are no guarantee of success. With critics savaging it and audiences largely staying away, this political comedy will not be winning any votes for a second term on the big screen.
