Did “Wuthering Heights” leave audiences wanting moor?
That’s the big question as Emerald Fennell’s polarizing adaptation of the classic Emily Brontë novel heads into its second weekend at the box office. Ticket sales are projected to decline by 55% to 60% from its three-day domestic debut of $32.8 million, which would amount to $13 million to $15 million in its sophomore outing.
So far, “Wuthering Heights” has collected $41 million domestically, as well as $51 million overseas for a global tally of $92 million. Warner Bros. needs the film, which earned a mixed “B” grade from moviegoers, to stick around beyond its opening to justify its $80 million budget. That’s because industry experts believe the Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi-led gothic romantic drama needs to generate at least $170 million to break even in its theatrical run.
“Wuthering Heights” will contend for the No. 1 spot with fellow holiday holdover “GOAT” and late-February newcomer “I Can Only Imagine 2.” Sony’s kid-friendly adventure “GOAT” is also poised to add $13 million to $15 million in its second frame. That’s after the feel-good sports story kicked off to $27.2 million over the weekend and $35 million over the four-day stretch, marking one of the stronger starts in recent memory for original animation. Meanwhile the faith-based musical drama “I Can Only Imagine 2” is targeting $10 million to $12 million in its debut, though box office watchers say they wouldn’t be surprised if the sequel beats initial expectations.
“I Can Only Imagine 2” is the follow-up to 2018’s surprise hit “I Can Only Imagine,” which ignited to $17 million in North America. Based on the best selling Christian song of all time, the film became a breakout for Lionsgate with $86 million worldwide against a $7 million budget. Although the sequel was twice as expensive at $18 million, it’s still a modest price tag that won’t be difficult for the studio to recoup during its big-screen run.
Directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, “I Can Only Imagine 2” follows MercyMe’s Bart Millard as he navigates fame and fatherhood after his career is supercharged by his inspirational song’s mega success. Milo Ventimiglia and Dennis Quaid star in the film alongside John Michael Finley as Bart Millard.
Two other newcomers, Disney’s road-trip thriller “Psycho Killer” and A24’s black comedy “How to Make a Killing,” are each targeting debuts in the $2 million range.
“Psycho Killer” hails from Disney’s 20th Century and New Regency labels and cost under $10 million to produce. Directed by Gavin Polone in his feature debut, the movie follows a police officer (Georgina Campbell) on her mission to take down the serial killer known as the Satanic Slasher after he brutally murdered her state trooper husband.
Targeting a similar, fright-loving audience, “How to Make a Killing” stars Glen Powell as a man who is disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family and will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance. John Patton Ford (“Emily the Criminal”) wrote and directed the film, a reimagining of the 1949 British comedic thriller “Kind Hearts and Coronets.” In Variety’s review, chief film critic Owen Gleiberman praised Powell’s lead performance: “He carries the audience with his energized sense of play,” he wrote, adding that “he’s sleek enough to cruise through a movie like…well, Tom Cruise.”
Despite the smattering of new offerings, the box office likely won’t get a jolt until the last weekend in February. That’s when Paramount’s blood-soaked “Scream 7” slashes its way to theaters — and gives audiences something new to scream about.
English (US) ·