Friday’s box office went wild with Emerald Fennell’s sexy literary drama “Wuthering Heights,” taking the No. 1 spot ahead of fellow newcomers “GOAT” and “Crime 101.”
Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic gothic romance grossed $11 million from 3,682 theaters in North America on Friday. Through the extended President’s Day slot, domestic box office revenue could reach up to $40 million. If the international box office can also reach the $40 million projection, it would be a very strong start for Wuthering Heights, which carries an $80 million price tag.
Wuthering Heights depicts the forbidden love between Cathy, a 19th century socialite played by Margot Robbie, and Heathcliff, a high society dropout played by Jacob Elordi. Heathcliff returns to Wuthering Heights after a long absence to protect Cathy’s heart. Other cast members include Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shahzad Lateef, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell. This film features original music by charlie xcx.
2nd place goes to Sony’s new animation “GOAT”. The family film, produced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry and about professional lower ball, an animal derived from basketball, grossed $7.1 million domestically from 3,863 theaters on Friday. The film will collect $25 million through the holiday slot.
Will Harris, voiced by Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin, is a skinny young goat who dreams of becoming a lowball star despite the sport’s dominance of large animals. Other cast members include Curry, Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, and Jennifer Lewis. Co-directed by Tyree Dillihay and Adam Rosette.
Amazon MGM’s “Crime 101” ranked third on Friday with sales of $3.9 million from 3,161 stores in Japan. Boasting an all-star cast including Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan and Halle Berry, the heist thriller should earn $13.8 million through its extended opening. “Crime 101,” directed by Bart Layton, follows a detective who tries to stop a career criminal from making a fortune with one last heist.
Rounding out Friday’s top five were Sam Raimi’s “Send Help” and Angel Studio’s “Solo Mio.” “Send Help” came in fourth place, earning $1.8 million at the domestic box office into its third week. Disney and the 20th century survival thriller is expected to gross an estimated $9.5 million by Presidents Day, bringing its domestic total to about $48 million. “Solo Mio” reached No. 5, earning $1.4 million in its second Friday of release. The North American total should reach about $18 million by Monday.
