‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ repeats at Number 1 on the box office charts
With a commanding presence, “Kung Fu Panda 4” stood firm at the pinnacle of the North American box office for its second consecutive weekend.
The latest offering from Universal and DreamWorks Animation roared to an impressive $30 million in ticket sales, marking its territory amidst the competition.
According to an Associated Press (AP) report, since its inception in 2008, this beloved franchise, buoyed by the unmistakable voice of Jack Black, has amassed a staggering $1.9 billion at the box office. It has not only captivated audiences with its cinematic prowess but has also birthed a plethora of animated series, shorts, video games, and a holiday special. The fourth installment, unleashed in 4,067 theatres across North America, has already carved out its place with a domestic haul of $107.7 million.
Despite the arrival of a slew of contenders, each vying for their moment in the spotlight, it was the enduring appeal of established franchises that continued to dominate the charts.
“Dune: Part Two,” in its third weekend, came within striking distance, securing a commendable $29.1 million, merely a 37 per cent dip from its previous outing. With a domestic tally now surpassing $205.3 million, the sequel is poised to breach the illustrious $500 million mark worldwide, the AP said.
It added that among the newcomers, “Arthur the King” emerged as a formidable contender, claiming the third spot with $7.5 million from 3,003 locations. Directed by Simon Cellan Jones and scripted by Michael Brandt, the film chronicles the gripping tale of an adventure racer forging an unlikely alliance with a stray dog during a treacherous 435-mile journey in the Dominican Republic. With an A CinemaScore and promising word-of-mouth, the studio anticipates a steady climb in sales in the weeks ahead.
Additionally, “Love Lies Bleeding,” a pulpy ’80s-inspired Western thriller directed by Rose Glass, made its debut in 1,362 locations, raking in $2.5 million. Meanwhile, “The American Society of Magical Negroes,” a daring satire helmed by Kobi Libii, garnered $1.3 million in 1,147 theatres, with a notable 52 per cent of the opening weekend audience comprising Black viewers.
The AP added that “Poor Things” added $2.3 million to its global tally, pushing its cumulative earnings to $112.6 million.
Therefore, looking ahead, anticipation mounts for the arrival of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” in theatres next weekend, promising to inject fresh excitement and nostalgia into the cinematic landscape.
In the words of Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, “In the absence of a newcomer wielding dominance, the pace may seem leisurely this weekend. Yet, the impending arrival of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ and ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ heralds a thrilling crescendo to March.”
With bated breath, audiences await the cinematic spectacles awaiting them, paving the way for a blockbuster-filled summer ahead, the AP report stated.
1. “Kung Fu Panda 4,” $30 million.
2. “Dune: Part Two,” $29.1 million
3. “Arthur the King,” $7.5 million.
4. “Imaginary,” $5.6 million.
5. “Cabrini,” $2.8 million.
6. “Love Lies Bleeding,” $2.5 million.
7. “Bob Marley: One Love,” $2.3 million.
8. “One Life,” $1.7 million
9. “The American Society of Magical Negroes,” $1.3 million
10. “Ordinary Angels,” $1 million.