Fantasy Feast: ‘Wonka’ sweetens dismal year, claims box office crown
The enchanting musical “Wonka” by Warner Bros. ascended to the pinnacle of the North American box office this New Year’s weekend, marking a triumphant conclusion to a lackluster year for the film industry, as reported by industry authority Exhibitor Relations on Sunday.
Amassing an estimated $24 million over the three-day weekend in the US and Canada, and an impressive $31.8 million when factoring in New Year’s Day, the film has now surpassed the $140 million milestone domestically and an enviable $244 million globally.
Notably, this robust performance arrived as Hollywood endured a year with figures languishing approximately 20 percent below the pre-pandemic three-year average, according to analyst David A. Gross.
A shift in audience preferences, from universe-saving blockbusters to narratives closer to home, was discernible in this cinematic transition.
The heartwarming and family-friendly “Wonka,” featuring Timothee Chalamet as a youthful rendition of Roald Dahl’s iconic chocolatier, brought the fantastical close to home—particularly if one resides near a chocolate factory.
Hugh Grant’s memorable portrayal of a cantankerous, green-haired, gnome-like Oompa Loompa added an extra layer of charm.
Last week’s front-runner, Warner Bros.’ “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” experienced a dip, securing the second spot with $19.5 million over three days ($26.3 million over four). Jason Momoa reprised his role as the sea-dwelling superhero, this time uniting with his half-brother to combat turmoil and climate change.
Claiming the third position was Illumination and Universal’s animated comedy “Migration,” chronicling the adventures of a mallard duck family journeying from New England to Jamaica. The film garnered $17.2 million over three days ($23 million over four).
Contributing to Warner Bros.’ robust weekend, the new musical rendition of “The Color Purple” secured the fourth spot with $13 million ($17.7 million). Based on Alice Walker’s cherished novel, the film narrates the trials and triumphs of Celie, a young Black woman in early 20th-century rural Georgia.
Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, an “American Idol” winner, delivered a compelling performance as Celie, supported by Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., and Colman Domingo.
In fifth place, Sony’s romantic comedy “Anyone But You” earned $9 million ($11.5 million).
Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, the narrative loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” unfolds from instant connection to crossed signals, scheming friends, and culminates in a splashy Sydney Harbour rendezvous.
The top 10 also featured:
“Boys in the Boat” ($8.3 million over three days; $11 million over four)
“The Iron Claw” ($5 million; $6.9 million)
“Ferrari” ($4.1 million; $5.2 million)
“Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” ($2.9 million; $4 million)
“The Boy and the Heron” ($2.5 million; $3.4 million)
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