In a cinematic showdown of epic proportions, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” roared to a remarkable $80 million opening on 3,861 screens across North America, as per studio estimates released on Sunday.
The monster mashup, a collaboration between Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, featuring stars Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry, delivered the second-highest opening of the year, falling just shy of the $81.5 million debut of “Dune: Part 2.” Initial projections had anticipated a more conservative opening weekend figure closer to $50 million.
Mary Parent, Chairman of Worldwide Production for Legendary, attributed the film’s success to its status as a cinematic event, presenting iconic characters in unprecedented ways. She highlighted the immersive experience of the film, noting extended sequences devoid of dialogue that immerse viewers alongside the characters in a mythic journey.
Despite its dominance, last week’s box office leader, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” slipped to second place with $15.7 million, bringing its two-week total to $73.4 million.
“Dune: Part Two” continued to demonstrate resilience in its fifth week, securing the third spot with an $11.1 million haul and a cumulative domestic total of $252.4 million.
Comparatively, the previous monster showdown, 2021’s “Godzilla vs. Kong,” opened with a more modest $48.5 million. However, given its release during the pandemic and simultaneous launch on HBO Max, it proved a significant success, setting the stage for the latest pairing.
The success of “Godzilla x Kong” marks the second-largest opening in the studios’ MonsterVerse franchise, following 2014’s “Godzilla,” which garnered $93.2 million. The film’s performance underscores the enduring popularity of the iconic creatures, particularly in IMAX and other premium formats.
Paul Dergarabedian, Senior Media Analyst at Comscore, emphasized the star power of Godzilla and Kong, urging audiences to experience the spectacle on the biggest screens with immersive sound. The film’s triumphant debut signifies a resounding victory for blockbuster cinema and sets the stage for future monster showdowns.
