The third weekend of Warner Bros’ Barbie has proven to be a triumph at the box office, surpassing the opening weekend of the highly anticipated action film, Bullet Train, starring Brad Pitt. This astonishing achievement highlights the significant progress made in the film industry. Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie is projected to earn $16 million on its third Friday across 4,178 theaters, representing a 45% decrease from the previous week. By the end of Sunday, the film is set to have accumulated a total of $457.4 million. This success demonstrates the incredible popularity of the iconic Mattel doll and the captivating narrative she brings to the big screen.
Oppenheimer’s Consistent Performance
Universal’s Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, continues to hold its ground in the box office, securing third place across 3,612 theaters. The film is expected to earn $7.8 million on its third Friday, representing a 42% decrease compared to the previous week. The third weekend is projected to bring in $27 million, maintaining the film’s trajectory of success. By the end of Sunday, Oppenheimer will have grossed an impressive $226.8 million. It is worth noting that Oppenheimer has surpassed the domestic earnings of Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins and Dunkirk, solidifying its position as the director’s fourth highest-grossing film in the United States. Furthermore, Oppenheimer has become the highest-grossing R-rated film of 2023 domestically, surpassing John Wick Chapter 4, which earned $187.1 million. The film also holds the title for the fastest Universal R-rated release to cross the $200 million mark in the U.S./Canada, achieving this feat in just 15 days. The previous record-holder was 2012’s Ted, which took 37 days to reach that milestone.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Surpasses Expectations
Coming in at third place across 3,858 theaters is Paramount/Nickelodeon/Point Grey’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The film had an impressive first Friday, earning $8.5 million. It is projected to earn $27 million over the three-day weekend and $42 million over the five-day period, exceeding its initial expectations of $30 million to $40 million. The film has delighted both audiences and critics, with a remarkable 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore. This positive reception has contributed to its stellar performance in the box office.
Warner Bros’ The Meg 2: The Trench premiered in 3,503 theaters with an impressive $11 million on Friday, including previews. The film is expected to have an opening weekend of $25 million, which is considered robust in the current marketplace. While audience reception is somewhat mixed, with a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is still an improvement from its predecessor, which received a 43% audience rating. The Meg 2: The Trench has successfully built on the campy and satirical marketing campaign of the first film, contributing to its initial success. With a total budget of $129 million, the film showcases the studio’s commitment to providing audiences with thrilling and entertaining experiences.
The Continued Haunting of The Haunted Mansion
In its second weekend, Disney’s The Haunted Mansion continued its run at 3,740 theaters but experienced a significant drop in earnings. The film earned an estimated $2.8 million on its second Friday, translating to a 72% decrease compared to the previous week. The second weekend is predicted to bring in $9.5 million, a 60% decrease from its opening weekend. Despite this decline, The Haunted Mansion has accumulated a respectable total of $42.5 million by the end of its second weekend.
Barbie’s success at the box office is a testament to the enduring popularity of the iconic doll. With its captivating storyline and talented direction by Greta Gerwig, the film has captivated audiences worldwide. Additionally, Oppenheimer continues to impress with its consistent performance, surpassing the earnings of Christopher Nolan’s previous films. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has exceeded expectations, while The Meg 2: The Trench has made a splash in the marketplace. Although The Haunted Mansion experienced a decline in earnings, it remains a noteworthy addition to Disney’s repertoire. The box office performance of these films reflects the ever-evolving tastes and preferences of moviegoers.