'Wuthering Heights' Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's adaptation dominates the global box office.
'Wuthering Heights' has become a sudden box office hit. This weekend, it grossed over $34 million in the United States
The highly anticipated adaptation of Emily Bronte's novel reigned supreme this weekend in a fierce competition that revitalized the box office thanks to the Presidents' Day holiday. All signs point to the world falling at the feet of the new inhabitants of 'Wuthering Heights'. Writer-director Emerald Fennell's vision arrived in theaters this weekend and, far from going unnoticed, sparked a surge in global box office activity. Starring the acclaimed Jacob Elordi, known for his roles in 'Euphoria' and 'Saltburn', and Margot Robbie, recognized as 'Barbie', this new and captivating version of the literary classic achieved a remarkable feat. According to Comscore data, the film grossed an impressive $76.8 million worldwide, far exceeding initial expectations of $70-80 million. In the United States, the film debuted with $34.8 million, a figure slightly below pre-weekend projections (which ranged from $40-50 million), but which takes on a new dimension thanks to the Presidents' Day holiday.
This holiday Monday turns the weekend into a four-day one, which could boost the film starring Elordi and Robbie to reach and surpass the most optimistic forecasts in North America.
The film's success lies not only in its stellar cast or the disturbing love story between Heathcliff and Catherine, but also in the atmosphere enhanced by the soundtrack, composed by hyperpop superstar Charli XCX, a detail that is captivating both critics and younger audiences.
The Weekend at the Box Office
Alongside 'Wuthering Heights' are 'GOAT' and 'Crime 101'. The Presidents' Day weekend was a breath of fresh air for the US box office.
In second place is 'GOAT', the new offering from Sony Pictures Animation. This animated comedy about talking animals,Following in the footsteps of Zootopia, it stars, is produced by, and is based on the life of NBA star Stephen Curry, who lends his voice to a giraffe.
'GOAT' grossed $26 million domestically and $41.6 million worldwide. Given the traditional resilience and longevity of family films at the box office, it is shaping up to be a fierce rival for 'Wuthering Heights' heading into its second week.
Third place goes to 'Crime 101', another high-caliber literary adaptation. Based on the novella by crime master Don Winslow, the film boasts a star-studded cast led by Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Chris Hemsworth in a fast-paced tale of heists and jewels in Los Angeles. Its debut yielded $15 million in the US and $27 million worldwide.