2022's Mending the Line, starring Succession's Brian Cox, has gained significant popularity as a global streaming hit on Netflix. The film, featuring Cox as Ike Fletcher, a fly fisherman who forms an unlikely bond with wounded veteran John Colter, has garnered positive reviews with a 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Alongside Cox, the movie also stars Perry Mattfeld, Patricia Heaton, and Wes Studi. Despite a modest theatrical release in 2023 that only earned $379,890 at the box office, Mending the Line has found success on Netflix.
Netflix recently revealed its global chart for the Top 10 most-watched English-language movies for the week of March 25 through March 31. Brian Cox's Mending the Line secured the 10th spot with 3.4 million viewers, accumulating a total of 6.9 million hours viewed. This places it in close competition with the 9th-ranked title, The Equalizer 3, which had 3.6 million viewers and 6.6 million hours watched. Despite facing tough competition from new Netflix originals like Irish Wish, Damsel, and Shirley, Mending the Line has managed to make its mark on the list.
While the star-studded cast of Mending the Line didn't resonate strongly with theatrical audiences, its streaming success underscores Brian Cox's enduring appeal as a leading actor. Cox has a history of box office success, having starred in multiple films that grossed over $100 million worldwide, including notable roles in franchises like X-Men, The Ring, and Jason Bourne. His highest-grossing roles include Agamemnon in Troy (2004) and Hank Landon in Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011).
Although Cox hasn't had a movie surpass $100 million in nearly a decade, the resurgence of interest in Mending the Line hints at a potential return to theatrical hits. The actor is set to voice Helm Hammerhand in the upcoming animated feature The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, slated for release in 2024. Additionally, Cox will star in The Electric State alongside Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, and Ke Huy Quan, a Netflix feature directed by the Russo Brothers.
Directed by Joshua Caldwell, Mending the Line is a poignant film that follows the journey of wounded veteran John Colter as he navigates life post-Afghanistan. With themes of trauma, redemption, and companionship, the movie resonates with audiences seeking heartfelt storytelling and compelling performances.
