Will Ferrell’s “The Hawk” is a $20 million miss for Netflix. The golf comedy, released July 2026, has drawn sharp criticism from audiences and critics alike. A Rotten Tomatoes score below 30% and widespread social media backlash confirm its status as a streaming flop.
Netflix invested heavily in the project, banking on Ferrell’s star power. The film stars Ferrell as Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins, a washed-up golf pro seeking redemption. Production costs ballooned beyond the initial budget. Location fees for the luxury resort used in the finale, permits, and Ferrell’s salary pushed the total expenditure significantly higher, according to industry insiders.
The cast, while stellar, failed to salvage the script. The Hollywood Reporter’s review calls Ferrell’s performance “phoned-in.” The supporting cast, including family members, a caddie sidekick, and an arrogant rival golfer, are “wasted,” the review states. The chemistry is disjointed, contributing to a tone that lacks cohesion.
Critical consensus is brutal. The Hollywood Reporter pans it as “disposable.” Plot originality is nonexistent. The film relies on tired tropes without the sharp satire fans expected. Comparisons to Ferrell’s 1996 hit “Happy Gilmore” are inevitable and unfavorable. Expectations were high. “The Hawk” fell short.
Audience reactions are scathing. “Worst golf comedy ever” is a common refrain. “Ferrell has lost his touch,” many say. Younger viewers find it dated. Older audiences miss the charm of his earlier work. A small segment ironically enjoys the trainwreck, but not enough to save its reputation. Poor watch-through rates will likely impact Netflix’s algorithm, reducing future recommendations for similar content.
The film’s finale takes place at a Forbes-covered luxury resort. The opulent setting, detailed in the Forbes article, served as prominent product placement. The hidden costs of this location, including permits and security, are part of the film’s financial fallout.
This failure is a costly lesson for Netflix. It underscores the risk of overpaying for star vehicles without guaranteed returns. For Ferrell, it’s a reminder that even legends can have a bad day on the green.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Budget | $20 million+ |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | Below 30% |
| Critical Consensus | “Disposable,” “phoned-in” |
| Audience Sentiment | Negative, “worst golf comedy” |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is ‘The Hawk’ on Netflix about?
- A: ‘The Hawk’ is a golf comedy starring Will Ferrell as Lonnie ‘The Hawk’ Hawkins, a washed-up golf pro seeking redemption. It was released in July 2026 on Netflix.
- Q: How much did Netflix spend on ‘The Hawk’?
- A: Netflix invested $20 million in ‘The Hawk,’ including production costs, location fees for a luxury resort, permits, and Will Ferrell’s salary, which ballooned beyond the initial budget.
- Q: Why is ‘The Hawk’ considered a flop?
- A: The film has a Rotten Tomatoes score below 30%, harsh reviews from critics calling it ‘disposable,’ and widespread audience backlash calling it the ‘worst golf comedy ever,’ with many viewers saying Will Ferrell has lost his touch.
Extended Reading
For further details on the cast and the luxury resort featured in the film, see Netflix’s Tudum article and Forbes’ coverage. The Hollywood Reporter’s review provides the critical context for the film’s failure.