The domestic box office somewhat came to life this Christmas week. Is it a Christmas miracle? Hardly, but it still showed life in some of the darkest times. All numbers are estimates by Box Office Mojo. Out of the new releases, Wonder Woman 1984, News of the World, and Promising Young Woman all came in at the top ten. Wonder Woman 1984 was also released on HBO Max the same day as theaters.
The latest DC film made a $16.7 million in its opening weekend. Not by any means fantastic, it is one of the highest grosses at the domestic box office since Onward‘s pre-lockdown first weekend caught $39 million. That was week 10, while this week is number 52. The highest was Tenet during week 36 garnering $20 million, though more than 1,000 theaters were still opened or recently re-opened during that time.
Tom Hanks‘ latest News of the World came out to solid reviews and a solid $2.4 million at the domestic box office. Hanks has previously encouraged his films to be released on the big screen. He also said in an interview this week, that theaters and the audience experience will return after the pandemic.
Promising Young Woman opened to a decent $680,000 at the domestic box office. The film is getting awards season buzz particularly for Carey Mulligan and Emerald Fennell, the roughly half million at a weakened box office is definitely a solid starting off point.
Lastly, The Croods: A New Age, in its fifth week, and Monster Hunter, in its second week, gained $1.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Roberto Benigni’s Pinocchio opened outside the top five with around $270,000.
In a time where many theaters are shut down across the country, it is refreshing to see a little life at the box office. Especially with a blockbuster like Wonder Woman 1984 being released on streaming as well, it is clear that it would have made more if released in a normal year. Though, that is not this year.
Wonder Woman 1984 is streaming on HBO Max, while News of the World and Promising Young Woman are in selected theaters.
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