Total business at the domestic box office will not exceed the $40 million mark, which makes thisthe lowest-grossing weekend of the year so far, with only one new wide release finding a spot in the top five. The number one spot will go,for the second time in a row, to perhaps one of the biggest underperformers in recent weeks — Universal’s release of Apple’sArgylle.
Directed byMatthew Vaughn, the action comedy generated just $17 million in its opening weekend, and is poised to gross around $6.5 million in its sophomore frame, representing a steep 63% drop.The film is yet to crack the $30 million mark domestically in 10 days, against a massive reported budget of $200 million.Argylle’s commercial woes completes a rather unfortunate hat-trick for Apple, afterKillers of the Flower MoonandNapoleon. Although it has been suggested that Apple’s real goal with these big-budget theatrical releases is to generate buzz around its Apple TV+ streaming service, the poor response from audiences certainly raises some questions.
Killers of the Flower Moonconcluded its run with $156 million worldwide, and Napoleon grossed $218 million; neither movie could crack the $70 million mark domestically, despite also costing over $200 million each.Argylle, which boasts an impressive ensemble cast, opened to poor reviews and mediocre audience reception.
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Nabbed the Second Spot at the Domestic Box Office
Debuting at number two with $3.8 million is the horror comedyLisa Frankenstein, directed by debutanteZelda Williamsand written byDiablo Cody. The movie received mixed reviews — it currently sits at a “rotten” 49% score on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes— but is the sole new release to secure a spot in the top five.Lisa Frankensteincost around $13 million to produce, which isn’t a high benchmark to cross. Delivering yet another strong hold, despite having debuted on digital this past week,The Beekeepertook the third spot with $3.4 million.This takes the surprise hit’s running domestic total to just under $55 million.
Warner Bros.’Wonka, meanwhile, has more than recovered its reported $120 million budget. The film has been delivering rock solid holds since its debut in December, and will take the number four spot after grossing $3.1 million in its ninth weekend.Wonkarecently passed the $200 million mark domestically, andwould hope to hit the $600 million milestone worldwidebefore concluding its phenomenal run. The top five was rounded out by Universal’s animated hitMigration, which grossed $3 million this weekend — its eighth — as it hit the $110 million milestone domestically.
Elsewhere, Pixar debuted its pandemic-era filmTurning Redin theaters, while W.B. re-releasedDuneahead of the highly-anticipatedDune: Part Two. DirectorDenis Villeneuve’s pandemic-era blockbuster generated a healthy $2 million domestically. Meanwhile, Sony’s word-of-mouth sensationAnyone But Yougrossed just under $3 million this weekend, hitting the $80 million mark at the domestic box office. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
An introverted spy novelist is drawn into the activities of a sinister underground syndicate.
