Natalie Portman’s “Hard-Hitting” R-Rated Gritty Western Flop Is Now A Global Streaming Smash

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A hidden Western film starring Natalie Portman has recently been discovered on streaming services, after initially failing to find an audience in theaters eleven years ago.

Natalie Portman is known for successfully moving between big-budget blockbusters and critically acclaimed films. She’s starred in huge franchises like the Star Wars prequels and Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, but also takes on smaller, more artistic projects that often garner awards attention. Her willingness to take risks led to her Oscar win for Black Swan, and she’s also been nominated for Academy Awards for her roles in the dramas Closer and Jackie.

Natalie Portman likely hoped Jane Got a Gun, a gritty Western she both produced and starred in back in 2015, would earn awards and be a box office success. Unfortunately, the film didn’t receive much positive attention at the time. However, over a decade later, it’s unexpectedly found a new audience on streaming, reaching the top 10 most-watched movies on HBO Max worldwide as of April 13, 2026.

The film Jane Got a Gun is performing moderately well on HBO Max, averaging a 6.9 ranking. It’s most popular in Brazil, where it’s currently #4. The movie also ranks within the top 5 in Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Paraguay, and among the top 10 in several other Latin American countries including Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico. It’s also seeing some viewership in Argentina, the Bahamas, and several other countries in the region.

After a disappointing theatrical release in 2015, where it earned only $3.8 million despite costing $25 million to make and received negative reviews (with a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), the movie has found success through streaming, offering a kind of comeback for the film.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie Jane Got a Gun struggles to find its footing, mixing over-the-top Western elements with a more serious, modern approach to the genre. This leaves Natalie Portman’s strong performance feeling lost and ineffective.

In a 2024 list of delightfully bad Westerns, ScreenRant gave Jane Got a Gun a positive mention. They noted that despite a confusing plot, the film’s visuals and the lead actress’s performance make it enjoyable.

The article notes that while most Westerns focus on men facing hardship to protect or avenge their families, Jane Got a Gun offers a different angle by centering on a strong female lead. This provides a fresh perspective on the roles of women within families.

While Natalie Portman’s acting in Jane Got a Gun received positive attention, the film itself faced numerous problems during production and didn’t enhance her standing with critics or audiences. However, it has recently found popularity with viewers on streaming platforms, hinting that opinions about the movie might be changing.

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2026-04-13 19:59