The winter box office is seeing a resurgence this weekend with the release of Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4. The film is expected to have the franchise’s second highest domestic opening, surpassing $50M at 3,900 theaters. This will mark a significant milestone for the animated series, with the original movie in 2008 holding the record for the biggest opening at $60.2M. Kung Fu Panda 4’s release is also noteworthy as it is the second biggest start for a DWA title since Universal acquired the label from its 20th Century Fox distribution deal. The film is already generating buzz among both male and female audiences under the age of 25, setting the stage for a successful run at the box office.
Legendary Entertainment/Warner Bros’ Dune: Part Two is also making waves at the box office, with a solid performance of $8.1M yesterday. The film, starring Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, Josh Brolin, and Florence Pugh, has already crossed $100M mark within its sixth day in theaters. Anticipation is high for its second weekend, with strong presales in Imax theaters expected to push its weekend gross to around $39M. The epic sci-fi saga has captured the imagination of audiences and is poised to be a box office success.
Lionsgate’s Imaginary, a Blumhouse PG-13 title about a teddy bear that terrorizes a family, is set to open in 3,000 theaters. With a production budget of $10M, the film has the potential to open to $10M-$14M, appealing to a younger audience. Universal’s decision not to release the film has paved the way for Lionsgate to showcase this unique horror offering. Additionally, Angel Studio’s nun biopic, Cabrini, is another film to watch out for this weekend. The film, directed by Alejandro Monteverde, tells the story of an immigrant woman who overcomes adversity to become a patron saint. With a strong critical reception and tracking well with women 35 and up, Cabrini is expected to have a mid-single digit to $10M opening.
A24’s Love Lies Bleeding, a Sundance World Premiere film, is set to warm up arthouses this spring. The film, directed by Rose Glass and starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian, is generating positive buzz among critics, with a 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The story follows a gym manager and an amateur bodybuilder as they confront the former’s gun-running father. This weekend, the film will be showcased in select theaters in New York City and Los Angeles, with a promising per screen average between $30K-$50K. Love Lies Bleeding is expected to be a standout indie film this season.
The winter box office is heating up with a diverse range of releases catering to different audiences. From the family-friendly animated adventure of Kung Fu Panda 4 to the epic sci-fi spectacle of Dune: Part Two, there is something for everyone at the movies this weekend. With promising new releases like Imaginary and Cabrini, along with the indie gem Love Lies Bleeding, audiences can look forward to a cinematic experience that offers both entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling.