One of Timothy Olyphant’s biggest box office misfires is getting another chance with streaming audiences.
The 2011 sci-fi film I Am Number Four is heading to Hulu on 1 September.
Directed by D. J. Caruso, the movie was based on the novel by James Frey and Jobie Hughes. The screenplay was written by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar and Marti Moxon.
The story follows Alex Pettyfer as John Smith, also known as Number Four. John is an alien refugee hiding on Earth with his guardian Henri, played by Olyphant. Together they try to stay ahead of the deadly Mogadorians who wiped out their planet.
Despite its premise and cast, the film struggled with critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 32% rating. Fans hoping for a franchise were disappointed.
A box office performance that wasn’t enough
Image via DreamWorks
At the time of release, I Am Number Four made around $150 million worldwide. Its production budget was reported at $60 million.
Even though it wasn’t a complete financial failure, the response wasn’t strong enough to justify a sequel. The planned series of films was quietly abandoned.
The movie has since become something of a forgotten title. For fans of the book series, its streaming release may give it new life.
Timothy Olyphant in 2025
Image via DreamWorks
Now 57, Timothy Olyphant has moved on to a variety of roles.
Earlier this year he appeared in Apple TV+’s Stick alongside Owen Wilson. Olyphant played Clark Ross, a former professional golfer. The role was very different from his action-heavy performances in the past.
He is also part of the cast of Alien: Earth. The sci-fi series sees him play Kirsh, a Prodigy Corporation synth who mentors Wendy, played by Sydney Chandler.
On the film side, Olyphant has joined the ensemble for Over Your Dead Body. The upcoming movie is a remake of the Norwegian action horror comedy The Trip. It will also star Samara Weaving, Jason Segel, Juliette Lewis, Paul Guilfoyle and Keith Jardine. The English-language adaptation is directed by Jorma Taccone.
Why fans might return to I Am Number Four
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I Am Number Four was released at a time when young adult sci-fi was in high demand. The success of Twilight and The Hunger Games made studios eager for the next big franchise.
The film was meant to be the first in a series covering the Lorien Legacies novels. When it failed to impress, plans for sequels were abandoned.
Over time, though, cult interest in the film has grown. Its arrival on Hulu means new audiences can rediscover it.
Some fans hope that renewed attention could even spark interest in revisiting the story. While a sequel is unlikely, streaming often gives films a second wave of popularity.
The streaming effect
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Hulu’s addition of I Am Number Four is part of a wider trend. Many forgotten blockbusters find new life when added to streaming libraries.
For younger viewers who may have missed the 2011 release, the film could feel brand new. For long-time fans, it’s a chance to revisit the world of the Garde.
While it may not change its reputation with critics, streaming could help the film reach a larger audience than it did at the box office.
Olyphant’s lasting appeal
Image via DreamWorks
Timothy Olyphant continues to work steadily across television and film. From Justified to The Mandalorian, he has built a varied career.
Even though I Am Number Four didn’t turn into the franchise many hoped for, his role in the film remains a reminder of his ability to switch between genres.
With more projects ahead, Olyphant shows no sign of slowing down. His upcoming work will likely reach a much warmer reception than his ill-fated sci-fi outing.
When to watch
Image via DreamWorks
I Am Number Four begins streaming on Hulu on 1 September.
For those who missed it in cinemas, the film is finally getting the wider platform its scale suggested.
Fans of Olyphant, young adult sci-fi, or curious newcomers now have the chance to judge it for themselves.
