Hello there, movie enthusiasts! Gather 'round as we dive into the depths of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's opening weekend and the box office scores that have been making waves. Director James Wan's highly anticipated sequel to the billion-dollar hit Aquaman (2018) has hit shores, but unfortunately, it seems to be struggling against the tide of bad reviews.
While Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom managed to secure the top spot at the domestic box office with an estimated $28.1 million, it falls short of the expectations set by its predecessor. It appears that even The Flash, with its $55 million opening weekend, will surpass the aquatic hero's numbers once the currents settle. But fear not, dear readers, for there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
As the weekend extends with Christmas cheer, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is projected to reel in an additional $10 million to $12 million on December 25th alone. This buoyant boost will bring its weekend total to approximately $40 million, ensuring it remains above water. While these figures may not be as impressive as Warner Bros. and Wan had hoped for, they serve as a reminder that in the ever-changing ocean of the movie industry, not every voyage is smooth sailing.
Comparing the opening weekend performances of DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films, our hero may not reach the heights of Batman v. Superman's $166 million or even Wonder Woman's impressive $103 million. However, it manages to avoid the deepest depths of opening weekend disappointment, with the honor of that title belonging to Wonder Woman 1984 and its $16.7 million debut in the midst of the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Internationally, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom finds solace in far calmer waters, having garnered twice the revenue outside of North America. While domestic waters may be rough, the film has navigated its way to an estimated $80 million overseas, contributing to a global haul of approximately $120 million by the end of the Christmas weekend. A testament to the international appeal of our gilled superhero.
But Aquaman isn't the only fish in the sea, my friends. Coming in hot at the second spot is Wonka, the eagerly awaited prequel to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), which has already amassed $17.7 million domestically and a whopping $255 million worldwide. It seems the allure of candy and eccentric chocolatiers never fades.
Claiming the third position is Migration, a newcomer to the box office scene, with a respectable $12.3 million. Followed closely by Anyone But You, raking in $6.2 million and securing fourth place in the rankings. Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire manages to edge into the top five with $5.5 million, while The Iron Claw, starring Zac Efron, fought valiantly but fell just short, settling for sixth place with a modest $5.1 million.
As the terrain shifts, it's worth noting how Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Ruffalo's intriguing Frankenstein-inspired tale, Poor Things, has expanded its presence from 82 to 800 theaters. It claws its way into the top ten with $2.1 million, showcasing a 64.6% increase in numbers from the previous week. At the same time, the enchanting romance All of Us Strangers makes its limited debut in a mere four theaters, charming audiences with a modest $132,000 (a per-theater average of $33,000).
Meanwhile, newcomers Freud's Last Session and Memory make their mark with noteworthy per-theater averages of $9,118 and $18,250, respectively, in five and two theaters each. Looks like audiences are eager to delve into the realms of psychology and memory.
So, there you have it, folks - the highs and lows of the holiday box office. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may be battling choppy waters domestically, but it's still afloat on the international stage. As the tides continue to shift, who knows what the future holds for our watery hero? Until next time, happy movie-watching, and remember, in the realm of cinema, even shallow victories can lead to grand adventures.
