The prequel to “The Hunger Games,” titled “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” defied initial expectations but still emerged triumphant at the box office over a busy weekend. Despite falling slightly short of anticipated opening numbers, the film secured its victory by collecting $44 million from 3,776 theaters in North America and a global total of $98 million in its debut weekend. This return to the dystopian world of Panem, after nearly a decade, marked a successful start for the film, even though it didn’t match the blockbuster success of the original franchise.
Competing against three new releases – “Trolls Band Together,” “Thanksgiving,” and “Next Goal Wins” – “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” showcased its resilience, claiming the top spot for the weekend. Meanwhile, Disney’s “The Marvels” faced a significant setback, suffering a 79% drop in ticket sales in its second weekend, marking the largest second-weekend decline in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Hunger Games
Despite opening below the $100 million mark set by its predecessors, industry analysts remain optimistic about the prequel’s prospects. Costing $100 million to produce, the film’s performance aligns with the typical trajectory of action-adventure prequels, starting at about half the opening of the previous film in the series. The cast, including breakout star Rachel Zegler and actor Tom Blyth, played a significant role in generating late-breaking publicity, contributing to the film’s successful opening weekend.
In the midst of a crowded release schedule, the newcomers “Trolls Band Together,” “Thanksgiving,” and “Next Goal Wins” managed to carve out respectable box office receipts, providing counter-programming against each other. With more high-profile releases on the horizon, including Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” and Disney’s “Wish,” the competition at the box office is expected to intensify.
In second place, “Trolls Band Together” met expectations with a solid opening of $30.6 million from 3,870 theaters. The animated film, featuring an ensemble cast and an “A” CinemaScore, is positioned for a successful run in the coming weeks. Director Eli Roth’s R-rated slasher “Thanksgiving” opened slightly below expectations but, with a budget of $15 million, still has the potential for a profitable box office run.
Taika Waititi’s sports comedy “Next Goal Wins” faced challenges in its domestic debut, landing in sixth place with $2.7 million from 2,240 theaters. The film, based on a true story, received mixed reviews and audience scores, potentially impacting its performance during the crowded holiday season.
In summary, while “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” may not have replicated the opening success of its predecessors, its strong start, coupled with effective marketing and cast promotions, positions it well for a successful theatrical run. The box office landscape remains dynamic, with upcoming releases poised to further shape the industry’s performance in the coming weeks.
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