How a failed musical was just the beginning
A story, quote and lesson about using failure as motivation
Failure is just a stepping stone towards progress
In 2010, a musical adaptation of the famous arachnid superhero Spider-Man swung into Broadway with ambition unmatched by anything before it. Featuring a $75 million budget, jaw-dropping aerial stunts, and a score by U2’s Bono and The Edge, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark promised to redefine musical theater. But behind the scenes, chaos brewed. Delays, injuries, rewrites, and mounting expenses turned the production into a spectacle for all the wrong reasons.
By the time it opened in 2011, critics skewered it. Director Julie Taymor, celebrated for her groundbreaking work on The Lion King, saw her vision scrapped midway, leading to a contentious exit. For Taymor, the experience was a humbling misfire—a stark contrast to her previous success.
Yet, the fallout wasn’t the end of the story. Among the wreckage were actors Reeve Carney and Patrick Page, whose standout performances transcended the production’s flaws. Both would later become central figures in Hadestown, the Tony-winning sensation that showcased their full talents and brought them critical acclaim.
Failure hurts, no matter when it happens. For Taymor, it came after a career-defining triumph, forcing her to confront the fragility of even the most accomplished endeavors. For Carney and Page, it arrived as an obstacle on the path to their true calling, proving that resilience can transform setbacks into stepping stones.
“I really do believe that if you don't challenge yourself and risk failing, that it's not interesting.”
Julie Taymor, writer The Lion King & Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
In both cases, failure acted as a teacher. Taymor’s experience didn’t erase her legacy; it reminded her—and us—that creative risks can lead to both spectacular wins and humbling missteps. For Carney and Page, the lessons learned under Broadway’s harsh spotlight helped hone their craft, ultimately enabling them to excel in a production that would redefine their careers.
The story of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark reveals a universal truth: failure is inevitable, but it’s also transformational. Whether it disrupts a streak of success or serves as a prelude to achievement, failure forces us to adapt, learn, and move closer to our goals.
So now I ask you:
What may you learn from your recent failures to propel you towards your goals? Are you letting previous failures stop you from stepping out of your comfort zone?
Indeed great lesson. Every day is a challenge 🙂
Love this