Box Office Roundup: The Resilience of "How to Train Your Dragon" Amidst New Releases
In an impressive display of box office resilience, "How to Train Your Dragon" has managed to maintain its position at the top of the North American box office, raking in $37 million during its second weekend. This lively success story unfolded even as new films—Pixar’s "Elio" and the zombie sequel "28 Years Later"—made their debut. The film, produced by Universal Pictures, has quickly become a global hit, accumulating an impressive $358.2 million worldwide since its release.
A Potent Revival of a Beloved Franchise
This latest installment of "How to Train Your Dragon," directed by Dean DeBlois, marks the return of a franchise that has captured the hearts of audiences for over a decade. Having last graced theaters six years ago, this live-action remake reimagines the story of a Viking boy and his dragon, reinvigorating a tale that first enchanted viewers in 2010. Signs of its potential longevity are already apparent, with a sequel reportedly in the works.
Pixar’s “Elio”: A Hard Landing
On the other hand, Pixar’s much-anticipated release, "Elio," faced a rough opening weekend, earning a disappointing $21 million. This figure marks the lowest debut for a Pixar film, a company renowned for its cinematic successes. Industry analyst David A. Gross pointedly noted that while these numbers might be solid for other animation films, they fall significantly short of Pixar’s high standards.
Originally slated for an early 2024 release, "Elio" encountered production challenges, including a change in directors. Co-director Adrian Molina, known for "Coco," was replaced mid-production, leading to alterations in the film’s narrative—most notably, the absence of a character initially promoted at Disney’s D23 conference. Despite the setbacks, the film still boasts a hefty production budget of $150 million, but it struggled internationally as well, gathering just $14 million from 43 foreign markets.
Comparing Pixar’s Recent Releases
This box office situation comes on the heels of a mixed recovery for Pixar. Earlier in 2023, "Elemental" managed to rebound from a slow start, ultimately grossing $496.4 million globally. In stark contrast, “Elio” finds itself in precarious territory, raising questions about its potential for a similar comeback. Critics and audiences have responded favorably to "Elio," with an “A” grade from CinemaScore, yet the trajectory remains uncertain.
Competition for Family Audiences
The competition for family audiences remains fierce, particularly with most schools out for summer break. Disney’s own "Lilo & Stitch," a live-action adaptation, continues to attract younger viewers, grossing $9.7 million in its fifth weekend. Its cumulative total has soared to $910.3 million globally, further solidifying its status as a favorite among family films.
The Return of "28 Years Later"
Adding to the weekend’s excitement, Danny Boyle’s "28 Years Later" marked a significant return for the zombie genre, gathering $30 million in its opening weekend. This film, a sequel 25 years in the making, revives the narrative established in "28 Days Later" and "28 Weeks Later," presenting a new storyline focused on a young boy navigating a post-apocalyptic world. Boasting a strong cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer, the film also brought in $30 million from international markets, marking the biggest opening weekend of Boyle’s career.
Audience Reactions and Future Prospects
Although "28 Years Later" garnered positive reviews, reflected in a 90% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audience reactions were mixed, earning only a "B" on CinemaScore. Boyle already has plans for future installments in the franchise, hinting at exciting developments ahead.
Continued Success for "Materialists"
A24’s romantic drama "Materialists" also held its ground, earning $5.8 million in its second weekend. Directed by Celine Song and starring Dakota Johnson alongside Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, the film has accumulated a respectable $24 million thus far.
Upcoming Releases
With a competitive slate ahead, next weekend will see the arrival of "F1," a collaboration between Apple and Warner Bros., alongside Universal’s "Megan 2.0," promising to further shake up the box office landscape.
Top 10 Movies by Domestic Box Office
- How to Train Your Dragon – $37 million
- 28 Years Later – $30 million
- Elio – $21 million
- Lilo & Stitch – $9.7 million
- Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning – $6.6 million
- Materialists – $5.8 million
- Ballerina – $4.5 million
- Karate Kid: Legends – $2.4 million
- Final Destination: Bloodlines – $1.9 million
- Kuberaa – $1.7 million
This weekend’s box office report illustrates the dynamic landscape of film releases, where established franchises can prevail against newcomers, and the need for innovation continues to drive industry discussions.
