Godzilla x Kong’ Staying on Top, ‘Monkey Man’ Swings Into Second and
‘The First Omen’ Gets Crossed Up
A cinematic clash of titans dominates the box office this weekend, accompanied by a chilling descent into horror. Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” maintains its throne atop domestic charts, fending off the inaugural weekend entries of Universal’s action-packed “Monkey Man” and 20th Century Studios’ horror resurgence, “The First Omen.”
Despite facing stiff competition, “The New Empire” holds its ground, raking in $8.5 million on Friday. While witnessing a significant 77% drop from its debut, the monster mash is poised to maintain its dominance with a potential over 60% decline over the weekend. Nonetheless, surpassing $100 million domestically, the film sets a remarkable milestone, maintaining robust performance internationally.
In the runner-up spot, Universal’s “Monkey Man,” starring and directed by Dev Patel, kicks off its theatrical journey with $4.2 million on Friday. The action-packed revenge narrative, acclaimed at SXSW Festival, eyes a $10.5 million opening, supported by favorable reviews and audience reception.
Meanwhile, “The First Omen” conjures a more modest debut, earning $3.2 million on Friday. Despite pre-release projections anticipating a stronger start, the horror flick, serving as a prequel to the iconic “The Omen,” struggles to meet expectations. Nevertheless, with a budget of $30 million, the film aims for a steady performance amidst mixed critical and audience reception.
As the weekend unfolds, Sony’s “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” and Universal’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” maintain their positions, facing moderate declines. While “Frozen Empire” trails its predecessor’s pace, “Kung Fu Panda 4” inches closer to becoming the franchise’s second-highest-grossing title in North America.
In a weekend marked by primate clashes, demonic terrors, and animated adventures, the box office landscape reflects a diverse array of cinematic experiences.