“Wuthering Heights Tops Box Office, While Crime 101 Falters”
“Wuthering Heights” has emerged as a box office leader during the Valentine’s Day weekend, grossing an impressive $34.8 million from 3,682 theaters in North America. The R-rated romantic drama, featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is projected to earn $40 million by the end of the President’s Day holiday.
International Success and Overall Earnings
The film’s opening weekend earnings include a significant $42 million from international markets, contributing to a global total of $82 million. Despite the softer-than-expected domestic sales, “Wuthering Heights” may find support from its international audience to meet its estimated $80 million production budget.
Production and Release Details
- Director: Emerald Fennell
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. and producers including Margot Robbie
- Notable Previous Work: Fennell’s Oscar-winning film “Promising Young Woman”
Although Netflix previously offered $150 million for distribution rights, the team chose Warner Bros. for a wider theatrical release and considerable marketing efforts. This decision paid off, marking Warner Bros.’ ninth consecutive No. 1 opening.
Audience Reception
More than 75% of the initial audience was comprised of women, making it a popular choice for Valentine’s Day. However, audiences gave it a “B” grade in CinemaScore exit polls, leaving its potential for word-of-mouth success uncertain.
Competition in the Box Office
“Wuthering Heights” dominated the box office, outperforming newcomers such as the animated film “GOAT” and the heist thriller “Crime 101.”
Box Office Rankings
- 1st: “Wuthering Heights” – $34.8 million
- 2nd: “GOAT” – $26 million
- 3rd: “Crime 101” – $15.1 million
- 4th: “Send Help” – $9 million
- 5th: “Solo Mio” – $6.2 million
“GOAT,” featuring an anthropomorphic goat aspiring to greatness in a basketball-like sport, garnered $26 million during its debut weekend. It received a positive “A” grade from audiences, implying promising endurance at the box office.
In contrast, “Crime 101,” starring Chris Hemsworth, opened in 3rd place with $15.1 million and is projected to earn about $17.7 million over the four-day holiday. Despite favorable reviews, the film, which cost Amazon MGM $90 million to produce, needs to gain traction to recover its investment.
As film studios continue to navigate a competitive landscape, several upcoming films like “Scream 7” and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” are expected to influence the box office dynamics in the coming weeks. This President’s Day weekend may serve as a catalyst for momentum leading into March.
