A 19-Year-Old Sci-fi Movie Was So Bad It Shows How Rocky Charlie Sheen’s Career Was Before Chuck Lorre’s Two and a Half Men
Charlie Sheen is known for his off-screen controversies, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that the man has an unmistakable screen presence and a brash charm that’s hard to come by. He has long been a magnetic figure in Hollywood, with his roles in classic comedies and hard-hitting dramas.
We all know that at one point he was the highest-paid actor on television, but just a few years before that, you’ll find a very different picture. One of his movies was a box office misfire with a questionable script, so let’s dig into this oddball project, followed by his massive success with Two and a Half Men.
The Arrival: Charlie Sheen’s flop attempt
The Arrival was perhaps an experimental project for Charlie Sheen where he tried to go beyond his comedy and action roots to do something more cerebral and intellectual, like a sci-fi movie! The 1996 alien invasion thriller had some high-concept themes, but unfortunately, none of it clicked with the audience.
Sheen played Zane Zaminsky, a radio astronomer who stumbles upon signals from outer space (a classic sci-fi setup). His discovery is dismissed, and he is fired, only for him to find out that the aliens have a hidden agenda.
Despite its intriguing premise, the whole thing felt like a head-scratching mess, and it didn’t resonate with the audience or the critics. It earned just $14 million at the box office and spent barely any time in theaters (via The Numbers). Although Sheen’s performance was earnest, it couldn’t save The Arrival, a lost cause.
Two and a Half Men: The sitcom that skyrocketed Charlie Sheen’s career
Charlie Sheen was a well-known actor before Two and a Half Men, but when the sitcom premiered in 2003, it catapulted him to a whole new level of fame. In the series, he played a wealthy jingle writer who lived a carefree life in Malibu.
That is only until his recently divorced brother and nephew move in with him. Their odd dynamics and witty banter are what made the show such a massive hit. The chemistry between Sheen and Jon Cryer was like no other and was the highlight of the sitcom.
At one point, it was among the most-watched sitcoms on television and earned multiple Emmy nominations. After Sheen’s infamous departure, Two and a Half Men never had the same spark, and it still remains a career-defining role for the actor.
You can watch Two and a Half Men on Prime Video (USA).
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