Why the star-studded musical Nine became a high-profile box office disappointment

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Despite an ensemble cast featuring Daniel Day-Lewis and Marion Cotillard, the 2009 musical Nine struggled to find its footing. While critics lauded the performances, the film failed to connect with audiences, ultimately grossing less than its 80 million dollar budget. Director Rob Marshall later cited marketing failures as a primary cause.

Directed by Rob Marshall, Nine was an ambitious adaptation of the Broadway musical, which itself drew inspiration from the classic film 8½. The story follows Guido Contini, an Italian filmmaker in 1965 struggling with writer's block and the complex relationships he maintains with the women in his life. The production featured an extraordinary cast, including Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, Judi Dench, and Kate Hudson, with Daniel Day-Lewis stepping into the lead role after Javier Bardem withdrew due to exhaustion.

The film's development was marked by intense casting processes and creative adjustments. Marion Cotillard, who initially auditioned for the role of Lilli, was eventually cast as Guido's wife, Luisa, a performance that earned significant critical acclaim. Despite the star power and the inclusion of three original songs by composer Maury Yeston, the film received mixed reviews. Critics often described the final product as stylish but emotionally distant, with some reviewers criticizing its narrative structure.

Commercially, the film was a failure, earning approximately 54 million dollars worldwide against an 80 million dollar budget. In a 2018 interview, Marshall reflected on the project, suggesting that the Weinstein Company failed to market the film effectively. He noted that it was a more difficult sell than his previous hit, Chicago, and expressed that he felt compromised, as the final cut did not fully represent his intended vision for the project.

Despite its reception, the film received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Penélope Cruz and Best Original Song for "Take It All." While some critics labeled it the worst film of the year, others, including Yeston, maintained a positive view of the experience. The film remains a notable example of a high-budget musical that struggled to balance its artistic aspirations with mass-market appeal.

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