“Heart of Stone,” a Netflix original action-thriller starring Gal Gadot, was released on August 11, 2023. The film, directed by Tom Harper, aimed to establish a female-led spy franchise akin to “Mission: Impossible” or “James Bond.” With a production budget of approximately $130 million, the movie was a significant investment for Netflix,
reflecting the platform’s strategy of producing high-budget, star-driven action films to attract global audiences. The budget covered extensive visual effects, international filming locations, and the star-studded cast, which included Jamie Dornan and Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, marking her Hollywood debut.
The film’s production involved complex action sequences and cutting-edge CGI, which contributed to its high costs. Gal Gadot reportedly earned $5 million for her role as Rachel Stone, a CIA operative tasked with protecting a powerful AI system called “The Heart.” The movie’s global appeal was further enhanced by its diverse cast and international settings, which resonated with Netflix’s worldwide subscriber base.
Upon its release, “Heart of Stone” garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its action sequences and Gadot’s performance, while others criticized its formulaic plot. Despite this, the film achieved significant success on Netflix, becoming one of the platform’s most-watched movies of 2023. It reportedly amassed over 109.6 million views within its first month, demonstrating the power of Netflix’s global reach and marketing strategies. The film’s success was attributed to its high-octane action, star power, and the growing demand for female-led action franchises.
“Heart of Stone” not only solidified Gal Gadot’s position as a leading action star but also opened doors for potential sequels, with Netflix hinting at the possibility of expanding the franchise. The movie’s performance underscored Netflix’s ability to compete with traditional Hollywood studios by delivering blockbuster-level content directly to viewers’ homes. While the film’s critical reception was lukewarm, its commercial success highlighted the evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry, where streaming platforms play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cinema.
