“Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is making waves at the box office this Valentine’s Day weekend. The R-rated film opened with $34.8 million from 3,682 theaters in North America and is expected to reach around $40 million through Presidents’ Day. Interestingly, it had a stronger launch internationally, bringing in $42 million from 76 territories for a global total of $82 million. However, with a production budget of $80 million, the film needs solid overseas earnings to ensure success.
Emerald Fennell, known for her Oscar-winning film “Promising Young Woman,” directed “Wuthering Heights.” Netflix proposed $150 million for this adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel but Fennell chose Warner Bros. for a broader theatrical release and marketing campaign. This film marks the ninth consecutive No. 1 opening for Warner Bros., following hits like “Minecraft” and “Final Destination Bloodlines.”
David A. Gross, a film consultant, noted, “They were right to want a theatrical release. It’s paying off.” He believes the combination of classic material, attractive leads, and a steamy approach will draw audiences, especially abroad thanks to Robbie and Elordi.
With more than 75% of opening weekend viewers being women, “Wuthering Heights” has taken the romantic drama spot typically filled by films like “Fifty Shades of Grey.” However, critics gave it a “B” grade on CinemaScore, indicating a mixed reaction from audiences.
The competition at the box office includes the animated film “GOAT,” which took second place with $26 million, and the heist thriller “Crime 101,” earning $15.1 million. “GOAT,” produced by NBA star Steph Curry, follows a goat aspiring to be the greatest in a basketball-like sport called roarball. Families responded positively, giving it an “A” grade on CinemaScore, indicating promising word-of-mouth potential.
“Crime 101,” starring Chris Hemsworth, started weaker at the box office with mixed audience reviews. The film, made for $90 million, must maintain strong ticket sales to justify its hefty production cost.
Reflecting on the box office performance, domestic revenue is currently 8% ahead of last year’s total, according to Comscore. This weekend offers a lighter competition compared to past years dominated by big Marvel releases.
Industry insiders suggest that while attendance is lower than in blockbuster years, films like “Wuthering Heights” and “GOAT” might be paving the way for a resurgence in cinema attendance as audiences seek quality content away from franchise films.
For further insights on box office trends, you can visit Comscore.
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