Paramount's biopic 'Bob Marley: One Love' has made a strong debut at the Valentine's Day box office, surpassing expectations with a domestic opening of $14 million. The film, which chronicles the life of reggae legend Bob Marley, also earned an additional $4.9 million from international markets, including the U.K., France, and Spain. With a global gross of $19.4 million, 'Bob Marley: One Love' has garnered significant attention and is poised to exceed initial projections.
In contrast, Sony's 'Madame Web,' the latest installment in the studio's Spider-verse franchise, fell short in its opening weekend. The comic book adaptation generated just over $6 million domestically, failing to match the success of previous hits like 'Venom.' Despite a budget of $80 million, 'Madame Web' is expected to earn $26 million during the six-day period from Wednesday to President's Day.
Both films carried substantial production costs, with 'Bob Marley: One Love' boasting a budget of $70 million and 'Madame Web' costing $80 million. These figures do not include the additional expenses for marketing and distribution. Directed by S.J. Clarkson and starring Dakota Johnson as Cassie Webb, 'Madame Web' received negative reviews from critics. The film's dialogue and plot were heavily criticized, resulting in a 15% 'rotten' ranking on Rotten Tomatoes.
Similarly, 'Bob Marley: One Love' received mixed reviews, with praise for Kingsley Ben-Adir's portrayal of the iconic musician but criticism for its conventional storytelling. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film also features Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley and James Norton as Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records, which released Marley's music.
Despite the lukewarm critical reception, 'Bob Marley: One Love' has resonated with audiences, surpassing initial box office estimates. If the film's strong performance continues, it may exceed the projected $30 million to $35 million in domestic earnings during the six-day holiday period. On the other hand, 'Madame Web' is unlikely to achieve similar success, given its lackluster opening and negative reviews.
As the box office competition unfolds, it remains to be seen how these two films will fare in the coming weeks. However, 'Bob Marley: One Love' has certainly made a significant impact, captivating audiences with its portrayal of the legendary musician's life and legacy.
