Wonka hits US theater screens this weekend, giving the box office an infusion of pure imagination. The release also sets the stage for moviegoing as the holidays move closer and closer. 

Between Friday and preview screenings, the new film from Warner Bros. took in $14.4 million, putting it on a course to an opening weekend of $35 million. As Variety points out, it’s a mediocre opening for the film, going off a budget of $125 million. There was also more money used to market the film ahead of this release, making this the first film since the conclusion of the SAG-AFTRA strike to receive proper promotion. 

Hollywood Reporter mentioned that this weekend is typically difficult for the industry. Much of this weekend is taken up by preparations for the oncoming holidays; Wonka, set as a precursor to the Gene Wilder-led classic Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory, hopes to take on a strong showing through the holidays. 

While Willy Wonka gets the gold at the box office this weekend, silver goes to Hunger Games: Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, in its fifth week of circulation. By the end of the weekend, the film is looking to move past $145 million.

Hayao Miyazaki’s newest feature, The Boy And The Heron, shifts to third this weekend, with an estimated total of $5.1 million. Fourth is taken by fellow Japanese release, Godzilla Minus One, which has been pushed over $30 million in the States. Rounding out the top five is Trolls Band Together, earning $4 million this weekend. 

The domestic top ten this weekend, courtesy of Deadline: 

1. Wonka (WB) 3-Day $37M-$38M/ Wk 1
2. Hunger Games: Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes (LG) 3-Day $6M/ Total $145.4M/ Wk 5
3. Boy And The Heron (GKIDS) 3-Day $5M/ Total $22.9M/ Wk 2
4. Godzilla Minus One (Toho) 3-Day $4.89M/ Total $34.1M/ Wk 3
5. Trolls Band Together (Uni/DWA) 3-Day $4M/ Total $88.7M/ Wk 5 
6. Wish (Dis) 3-Day $3.2M/ Total $54.3M/ Wk 4 
7. Christmas With The Chosen: Holy Night (Fathom) 3-Day $3M/ Total $4.7M/ Wk 1
8. Napoleon (Apple/Sony) 3-Day $2.2M/ Total $57M/ Wk 4
9. Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé (AMC) 3-Day $1.9M/ Total $30.7M/ Wk 3 
10. Poor Things (SEA) 3-Day $1.1M/ Total $2.1M/ Wk 2