Dune 2 And Kung Fu Panda 4 Are Dueling For The Box Office Top Spot This Weekend
BY HANNAH SHAW-WILLIAMS/MARCH 16, 2024 2:01 PM EST
With no major new releases this weekend at the box office, sci-fi epic "Dune: Part Two" and animated sequel "Kung Fu Panda 4" remain at the top of their respective chart positions. Although not as close as last week's race between Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Dune (Part 2) by Denis Villeneuve continues to draw crowds and secure ticket sales via IMAX ticketing; Deadline reports it is on track for grossing between $28-29 million over its third weekend as estimated by Deadline which represents only 38% less revenue versus last weekend compared with grossing $35-36 Million over three weekends at its third weekend box office run compared with last weekend (part 2).
Counter-programming offers several key benefits, namely that two major movies can compete at the box office without cannibalizing each other (sometimes they even work together and assist each other). "Kung Fu Panda 4" opened to an estimated start of $57.9 million last weekend before falling almost 46% during its second weekend for $31.5 million total revenue.
While Jack Black's Kung Fu Fighting Panda may take the top spot again this weekend, both titles are performing significantly ahead of estimates. "Dune: Part Two" had originally projected an opening weekend gross of $75 million but in reality earned $82.5 million instead - both movies performed 2-3 million ahead of projections last weekend too! No matter which film ultimately wins top billing it's encouraging that two movies with such disparate target audiences are both performing so strongly; providing relief after an otherwise lackluster year in theaters.
Arthur the King, Love Lies Bleeding, and The American Society of Magical Negroes
As was alluded to above, this week has no major new releases but that doesn't mean no ones were put out either. "Arthur the King," featuring Mark Wahlberg in a dog-focused, true story dramatisation has caught our eye as an intriguing parallel with 2022's surprise hit "Dog". Both movies involve tough guy leads (Channing Tatum in both cases) embarking upon heartwarming adventures alongside an adorable pup. "Arthur the King," which grossed $3 Million on Friday alone, may fall short of "Dog's" $14 Million opening weekend success but is off to an excellent start; expected to gross between $8 to 10 Million over its opening weekend. "Arthur the King," with an estimated production budget of under $20 million, doesn't need to do huge numbers to succeed. Indeed, opening night audience polling awarded it an A CinemaScore score, suggesting positive signs for its future performance in theaters across North America and elsewhere.
"Love Lies Bleeding," directed by "Saint Maud" director Rose Glass and released last weekend in limited release, has expanded nationwide following an initial limited debut last weekend. Per Variety estimates, its opening weekend should generate about $2.5 million - not an overwhelming figure but typical for prestige indie distributor A24 which typically relies on slower ticket sales over big opening weekends. Critics have loved "Love Lies Bleeding", earning it an incredible 92% Rotten Tomato score as of writing; read /Film review here.
"The American Society of Magical Negroes," directed by comedian/actor Kobi Libii and released by Focus Features this weekend, is currently underperforming due to some poor reviews; projected grossing between $1 million from 1,147 locations.