Dreamworks and Universal Pictures’ “How to Train Your Dragon” live-action remake hasn’t just taken off, it has soared.
The film is beating pre-release expectations and is on track for a series-best domestic opening of $82.7 million. Additionally, and unlike several notable box-office hits this year (eg. “Sinners”), this one is doing gangbusters overseas as well with a $117.7 million international haul from 53 markets.
That brings up the film’s worldwide tally to $200.8 million after its first weekend of full release. Critics liked it, but audience scores are over the moon – an ‘A’ CinemaScore and a very rare 98% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Budgeted at $150 million, the film is looking to be a phenomenon like the recent “Lilo & Stitch” live-action remake, including bringing out a lot of Gen Z. Combined, the pair’s success will likely result in more Dreamworks live-action adaptations and Disney remakes focusing more on 1990s and 21st century titles.
The “Dragon” start should be one of the top-10 starts of all time for a live-action reimagining, along with the fourth highest opening of the year and the eighth-best opening of all time for Father’s Day weekend.
“Lilo & Stitch” will slip to second place with $13-14 million, while Celine Song’s “Materialists” will debut in third with $11-12 million – A24’s third-biggest wide opening to date. That film was really liked by critics, but audiences gave it a concerning B- CinemaScore.
“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” with $9.3 million is coming in fourth, the title about to pass $500 million globally and at $165 million domestically. Not faring so well is “Ballerina,” the “John Wick” spin-off expected to fall 64% to around $8.7 million.
Source: THR
