Colin Farrell is about to make a splashy return to sci-fi with Apple TV+'s Sugar, but before you dive into that, you can catch his earlier foray into the genre—the 2012 remake of Total Recall—streaming for free on Tubi this month. It's a chance to revisit a film that, despite its ambitious pedigree, has largely been forgotten in the shadow of the original.
Directed by Len Wiseman, this Total Recall remake tried to take the campy, over-the-top spirit of Paul Verhoeven's 1990 classic and ground it in a grim, realistic world. The result? A movie that critics and audiences alike found lacking. With a 31% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the consensus was that while the action sequences were impressive, the film lost the wry humor and intricate plotting that made the original a sci-fi staple. It grossed just over $210 million worldwide against a $125 million budget, far from the blockbuster status it aimed for.
Farrell stars as Douglas Quaid, a factory worker haunted by dreams of a Martian colony who begins to question his reality. The cast also includes Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel, but even their star power couldn't save the film from its identity crisis. The script, credited to two writers with three more on story, also nods to Philip K. Dick's original short story and the 1990 film's four writers—a tangled web that reflects the project's troubled development.
Now, 14 years later, the remake is getting a second chance on Tubi, where it's available for free. It's a perfect opportunity for curious viewers to see what all the fuss was about, or to revisit a film that might have been unfairly judged. For those who prefer a more successful sci-fi binge, check out Why MacGyver Is Still the Ultimate Weekend Binge 40 Years Later for a classic alternative.
Farrell's upcoming series Sugar promises to be a different kind of sci-fi experience, one that's already generating buzz as a hidden gem on Apple TV+. Pairing it with a free watch of Total Recall on Tubi makes for a perfect double feature of Farrell's sci-fi work. And if you're in the mood for more streaming finds, Tom Cruise and Jason Statham's 'Collateral' Hits Pluto TV Free in June 2026 is another great option.
While the Total Recall remake may not have achieved the cult status of its predecessor, it remains a fascinating artifact of the post-Inception era when every sci-fi film tried to be dark and serious. Some, like Gareth Edwards' Godzilla, succeeded; others, like Snow White and the Huntsman, didn't. This one falls somewhere in between, but it's worth a look for Farrell fans and sci-fi completists alike.
For more streaming recommendations and updates on Farrell's career, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot. And if you're looking for another sci-fi revival, Stephen King's Failed Sci-Fi Movie 'The Dark Tower' Climbs Streaming Charts 9 Years Later shows that even flops can find new life.
