After two weeks behind “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” returned to the top at the North American box office, earning $26.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates on Sunday. The Lionsgate release is performing well as it has grossed $703.9 million globally. However, it still trails the leading musical biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which accumulated over $910.8 million worldwide.
This weekend, new films also debuted, such as the relationship horror “Obsession,” the action film “In the Grey,” and the revenge narrative “Is God Is.” Still, previous releases attracted the majority of attendees. Audiences are expected to shift their attention when “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” premieres next weekend.
Disney and 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2” secured second place in its third weekend, earning $18 million. Its domestic total reached $175.9 million, and its global earnings are now $546.2 million. Among the newcomers, “Obsession” led the way, surpassing expectations with $16.1 million from 2,615 theaters. Curry Barker, a YouTube breakout, directed and wrote the thriller, which follows a hopeless romantic entangled in an unexpected situation. The film received positive reviews, with a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore. Remarkably, Barker produced the film for $750,000, and Focus Features acquired it for about $15 million.
Lisa Bunnell, president of domestic distribution for Focus Features, attributes “Obsession’s” success to audiences desiring fresh, original voices in cinemas. The film benefits from positive word-of-mouth, especially among younger crowds organizing repeat viewings with friends. Although horror films seldom attain A-level CinemaScores, “Obsession” shares this honor with another hit, “Weapons.” “I’m anticipating a solid holdover,” Bunnell stated.
In fourth place, “Mortal Kombat II” saw a 65% drop in its second weekend, earning $13.4 million domestically. It has garnered $101.2 million from 80 international markets.
Amazon MGM Studios had three films in the top 10: “The Sheep Detectives” came fifth, “Project Hail Mary” stood seventh, and “Is God Is” completed the top 10. “The Sheep Detectives” experienced a modest 33% decline from its debut weekend, gathering another $10.2 million, bringing its total to $30.5 million. “Project Hail Mary,” available for home purchase now, drew an additional $3.4 million during its ninth theater weekend. “Is God Is,” led by Aleshea Harris’s adaptation of her Obie-awarded play, features twin sisters (Kara Young and Mallori Johnson) on a harrowing search to confront their abusive father. The film premiered with $2.2 million in earnings and a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Meanwhile, “In the Grey,” released by Black Bear, amassed $3 million from 2,018 theaters. Starring Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González, the movie centers around a group of elite operatives on a challenging mission. It holds a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a B CinemaScore.
This weekend also saw high-profile re-releases, including “Top Gun,” gathering $3.1 million, and “Shrek,” which made $1.3 million. Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends for Comscore, observed that the presence of “Prada,” “Michael,” and “Top Gun” among the top 10 indicates that nostalgia is significant at the box office. He noted, “What’s old is new and audiences clearly love it.”
- “Michael,” $26.1 million
- “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” $18 million
- “Obsession,” $16.1 million
- “Mortal Kombat II,” $13.4 million
- “The Sheep Detectives,” $9.3 million
- “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” $4.5 million
- “Project Hail Mary,” $3.9 million
- “Top Gun” 40th Anniversary, $3.1 million
- “In the Grey,” $3 million
- “Is God Is,” $2.2 million
Leave a Reply