Shocking Comeback: 'Superman' Star's Decade-Old Flop Soars to #1 in America!

Skyler Gisondo possesses a unique blend of humor and charm that has propelled him through an impressive career in film and television. He has frequently captivated audiences with his comedic portrayals in popular series such as Santa Clarita Diet and The Righteous Gemstones. This natural appeal made him a highly anticipated choice for the role of Jimmy Olsen in James Gunn's 2025 Superman reboot, starring David Corenswet, with fans envisioning him as the quirky Daily Planet photographer even before his casting was confirmed.

Before joining the DC Universe, Gisondo honed his craft over several years, often delivering memorable performances in projects that did not always resonate with critics. A prime example is the 2015 family comedy Vacation, a legacy sequel to the iconic National Lampoon's Vacation franchise. Despite being thoroughly panned by critics upon its release, achieving a dismal 27% on Rotten Tomatoes with a consensus citing its failure to capture the original's charm, wit, and heart, the film was a commercial success, grossing approximately $107 million against a modest $31 million budget.

In Vacation, Skyler Gisondo stars as James Griswold, the teenage son of a now-grown Rusty Griswold, played by Ed Helms. Rusty, now married to Debbie (Christina Applegate) and father to James and the aggressively foul-mouthed Kevin (Steele Stebbins), decides to rekindle childhood nostalgia by embarking on a cross-country road trip to Walley World. However, their journey quickly devolves into a series of catastrophic misfortunes, highlighting the stark differences between Rusty's current family dynamic and the modern world.

Despite its initial negative reception, Vacation has experienced a remarkable resurgence on streaming platforms. The film has become a massive hit, particularly dominating streaming charts and ranking #1 on Paramount+ on FlixPatrol at the time of writing, attracting an entirely new and younger audience.

This renewed popularity is largely attributed to a new generation of viewers who lack pre-existing attachments to the Chevy Chase predecessors, allowing them to judge Vacation purely as a standalone raunchy comedy. Its distinct, chaotic charm, stemming from ludicrous situations and unapologetic vulgarity, has resonated widely. Furthermore, the toxic sibling dynamic between Kevin and James, with Kevin's relentless efforts to torment his older brother, has become a particular fascination. Steele Stebbins' praised performance as Kevin has fueled numerous “Kevin-core” fan edits, which have gone viral across social media. International audiences can stream Vacation on Netflix, while US viewers can find it on Paramount+.