Tim Burton‘s newest film, remake of the classic animated film Dumbo, released this past weekend and was #1 at the box office. The predictions for the numbers opening weekend domestically were $50 million, but ultimately the reality didn’t quite catch up. The film came in with a $45 million domestic opening and $71 million overseas profit totaling $116 million for the weekend. With a budget of $170 million, the film still has a ways to go before being considered a successful release.
One reason that the film’s intake wasn’t as high as expected may have been the mixed reviews, from both audiences and critics. The Rotten Tomatoes score currently sits at 50% critics and 61% audience approval. These scores are lower than the usual Disney films, which hit around 70% or higher on average. The classic film that it is adapted from is also 80 years old, which may mark why the story doesn’t resonate quite as well as adaptations like Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella, which have had stronger places in the popular consciousness.
Dumbo’s competition was also formidable, with Jordan Peele’s Us taking the second slot at $33.6 million, bringing its total past $100 million.
Tim Burton has always had a devoted fan following that adores his dark, artistic take on childhood tales. His next project is said to be Beetlejuice 2, so we’ll see if a return to roots will be a good turn for the director’s continuing career.
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