Box Office Buzz: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Dominates with $83 Million Opening, While A24’s ‘Materialists’ Shines with $12 Million Launch

“How to Train Your Dragon” just soared to the top of the box office, bringing in an impressive $83 million in its opening weekend. The excitement from families and a sense of nostalgia for the beloved 2010 animated film helped exceed expectations, which were between $70 million and $80 million. The live-action remake also earned $114 million internationally, giving it a total of nearly $200 million worldwide.

The film had a hefty production budget of $150 million, with an additional $100 million for marketing. PG-rated movies are gaining traction, with a reported $1.53 billion generated so far this year, making up 41% of box office earnings, the highest for any rating. As senior Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian stated, “PG films attract kids while still appealing to adults,” a trend that seems to be here to stay.

Dean DeBlois, who has a solid track record—with previous “How to Train Your Dragon” films earning over $1.6 billion—wrote and directed this remake. It follows the story of Hiccup, a quirky teen from the Viking village of Berk, who bonds with a dragon named Toothless. While critics gave it a decent 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, audience reactions have been more favorable, earning it an “A” on CinemaScore surveys. Universal is already planning a sequel for 2027.

Universal’s distribution chief, Jim Orr, praised the film’s mix of heart and adventure, noting its appeal across generations. This excitement helped “How to Train Your Dragon” dethrone “Lilo & Stitch,” which had held the box office crown. “Lilo & Stitch” still performed well in its fourth weekend with $15.5 million, totaling $366 million domestically and $858 million globally.

A24’s new release “Materialists” came in at No. 3, earning $12 million. Despite mixed reviews, the film managed to outperform its initial projections. It tells the story of a matchmaker embroiled in a love triangle, showcasing the talent of director Celine Song, who is quickly gaining recognition.

In fourth place, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” made $10.3 million during its fourth weekend. Despite being part of a popular franchise, the film’s $400 million budget means it has yet to break even, especially since theaters keep half of ticket sales.

“Ballerina,” a spinoff from the “John Wick” series, rounded out the top five with $9.4 million. This film is struggling to find its footing, earning $41.8 million domestically against a $90 million budget, raising questions about interest in the franchise without Keanu Reeves.

Overall, box office revenues are up 23% compared to last year, although they’re still 26% behind 2019 levels. Upcoming films like the Brad Pitt racing drama “F1,” “Jurassic World,” and DC’s “Superman” are expected to keep audiences engaged as the summer unfolds.

For more insights on box office trends, check out Comscore’s analysis.

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