War of the Worlds, a modern adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on July 30, 2025, directed by Rich Lee and starring Ice Cube. The film aimed to reimagine the iconic alien invasion story, but it received a largely negative response from critics and audiences. Despite its high-profile cast, including Eva Longoria and Clark Gregg, the movie holds a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating, indicating unanimous negative reviews.
The production of War of the Worlds was marked by challenges, including filming during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 with strict safety protocols in place. In a recent stream, Ice Cube reflected on the experience, stating that the movie was shot in just 15 days, with the director and actors working remotely. The film’s use of real surveillance camera footage from around the world added to the production complexities.
Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., also commented on the film’s release, suggesting that its lengthy shelf life and outdated production style may have contributed to its lack of recognition. The movie’s modern twist on the classic novel brings the alien invasion to computer screens, phone calls, and surveillance feeds, following the story of William Radford, a computer security analyst, as he navigates the destruction of communication systems and growing panic.
The film’s poor reception has sparked discussion about the challenges of producing and releasing movies during the pandemic era. While some movies have overcome these challenges, War of the Worlds’ rare 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating highlights the difficulties of bringing a high-profile project to life under unusual circumstances. As the film industry continues to adapt to the post-pandemic landscape, the story of War of the Worlds serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of movie production in unprecedented times.
