“Wuthering Heights” Tops Box Office with $82M Debut, Stars Robbie and Elordi
Emerald Fennell’s recent adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” has made a remarkable debut at the box office, earning an impressive $34.8 million during its opening weekend in North America. The film, released by Warner Bros., has emerged as the leading movie of the year so far.
“Wuthering Heights” Box Office Performance
In its first weekend, “Wuthering Heights” secured the largest opening for any film this year. According to studio estimates, the romantic drama features Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the lead roles as Catherine and Heathcliff.
- Opening Weekend: $34.8 million in North America
- Projected Total by Presidents Day: $40 million
- Estimated Global Debut: $82 million
- Production Cost: $80 million
Audience Demographics
PostTrak polling indicates that approximately 76% of the opening weekend attendees were women. The film had its most successful day on Valentine’s Day, where it garnered $14 million in ticket sales.
International Success
The film is also performing well on the global stage, with expectations to earn an additional $42 million from 76 territories. Significant upcoming openings include Japan and Vietnam on February 27th, followed by China on March 13th.
Critics’ Reception
Critics have had mixed responses to the film. Currently, it holds a score of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, audience response was lukewarm, reflected in a B CinemaScore and only 51% of viewers stating they would recommend the film to friends.
Comparison with Other Releases
In terms of box office competition, “Wuthering Heights” outperformed other new releases, like the animated film “GOAT” and the heist thriller “Crime 101”. “GOAT” achieved a notable second-place finish with an estimated $26 million.
- 1st Place: “Wuthering Heights” – $34.8 million
- 2nd Place: “GOAT” – $26 million
- 3rd Place: “Crime 101” – $15.1 million
Industry Context
This successful opening continues Warner Bros.’ winning streak, marking the studio’s ninth consecutive No. 1 opening. The release of “Wuthering Heights” arrives amid significant corporate challenges for Warner Bros., as it navigates a potential takeover bid from Paramount.
As the film industry prepares for the next wave of blockbusters, “Wuthering Heights” sets a high bar for new releases. Fans and newcomers alike are eager to see how the rest of its run unfolds and what future milestones it may achieve.
