‘Wuthering Heights’ Surpasses Box Office Expectations with $83 Million Worldwide
Director Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of the classic novel “Wuthering Heights” has made a significant impact at the global box office. Over the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, the film earned $38 million in North America and an additional $45 million internationally. This brings its total worldwide earnings to a remarkable $83 million, slightly exceeding initial estimates. While the domestic earnings fell short of expectations, the international performance showcased strong results, suggesting a promising future for the film.
Box Office Performance
- Domestic earnings: $38 million
- International earnings: $45 million
- Total worldwide earnings: $83 million
- Production budget: $80 million (excluding marketing costs)
Despite its impressive global total, the domestic figure was lower than Warner Bros.’ prediction of $40 million for the four-day holiday. However, “Wuthering Heights” emerged as a favorite among female audience members over the Valentine’s Day weekend, with women making up over 75% of its opening weekend crowd.
Competition and Comparisons
“Wuthering Heights” easily claimed the top spot in North America, outperforming two new releases: Sony’s animated film “GOAT” and the heist thriller “Crime 101,” starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo.
New Releases and Their Earnings
- GOAT: $35 million (second place)
- Crime 101: $16.3 million (third place)
“GOAT” delivered the highest debut for an original animated film since Pixar’s “Elemental,” which took in $29 million during its opening weekend. The family-friendly film garnered an “A” grade from audiences, suggesting it could maintain momentum at the box office. “Crime 101,” while starting decently, faced challenges with a $90 million production budget, indicating a need for strong longevity in theaters.
The Future of “Wuthering Heights”
As theater operators look forward, expectations surround the continued performance of “Wuthering Heights” and “GOAT” as the box office remains 8% ahead compared to last year. Upcoming releases, including “Scream 7” from Paramount set for February 27, could further affect the landscape. But for now, “Wuthering Heights” stands out as a box office success story, driven by its blend of classic literature and modern filmmaking.
