Charlize Theron‘s acclaimed spy thriller, Atomic Blonde, has recently surged in popularity on HBO Max, nearly eight years after its theatrical release. As of March 2025, the film is trending at number 10 on the streaming platform, attracting new viewers and reigniting interest in its gripping storyline.
Film Overview and Box Office Success
Released in 2017, Atomic Blonde is based on the graphic novel The Coldest City by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart. The screenplay was penned by Kurt Johnstad, while David Leitch served as the director. Theron stars as Lorraine Broughton, a fierce MI6 agent, in a cast that includes James McAvoy, John Goodman, Toby Jones, Eddie Marsan, and Sofia Boutella.
Produced on a budget of $30 million, the film achieved significant commercial success, grossing $100 million worldwide. In the United States alone, it earned $51.6 million, with the international market contributing an additional $48.3 million. This financial performance solidified its standing as a successful project for Focus Features.
Critical Reception and Future Prospects
In a review by Chris Agar from ScreenRant, he noted that while the screenplay “prevents it from realizing its full potential,” the film still provides “a solid time at the theater.” Agar recommended it to genre enthusiasts looking for a more adult-oriented experience.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a critics’ score of 79%, with a 64% rating on the audience-driven Popcornmeter. Despite its success, plans for a sequel remain uncertain. Both Theron and Leitch have expressed interest in producing Atomic Blonde 2, potentially as a Netflix original, but no formal announcement has been made.
As viewers have the opportunity to either relive or discover Atomic Blonde for the first time on HBO Max, its resurgence highlights the film’s lasting impact within the action-thriller genre.
