The latest addition to the Legendary and Warner Bros Monsterverse franchise, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has proven itself to be a box office monster. With a staggering $570 million in global sales, the film has surpassed its predecessor, 2017’s Kong Skull Island, which brought in $568.6 million. The breakdown of The New Empire’s revenue shows $373.7 million from international markets and $196.3 million domestically.
The success of The New Empire is not limited to a few specific regions. The film has performed exceptionally well in 35 markets around the world, including Brazil, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and UAE. This widespread popularity can be attributed to the effective marketing strategies employed by Warner Bros, as well as the efficient global distribution team.
A notable factor that contributed to The New Empire’s success was its release date. Originally scheduled for Easter weekend, the film was moved up to March 22 by Sony’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, creating a prime opportunity for Warner Bros to capitalize on the lucrative holiday weekend. This strategic move paid off as The New Empire exceeded expectations, grossing $80 million domestically and $194 million worldwide.
Directed by Adam Wingard, The New Empire marks his second installment in the Monsterverse franchise after 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. The film’s robust performance further solidifies Wingard’s reputation as a successful filmmaker in the Hollywood landscape. The New Empire is currently the second highest-grossing Hollywood movie of 2024, trailing behind Legendary/Warner Bros.’ Dune: Part Two.
Despite assumptions that moviegoing is on the decline, The New Empire proves that captivating content can still draw audiences to theaters. The film’s unique blend of action and spectacle, combined with moments of introspection, sets it apart from traditional monster movies. Audiences were captivated by the film’s fresh take on the genre, embracing its campiness and larger-than-life characters.
The New Empire has made a significant impact in several key international markets. In India, the film has become the highest-grossing Warner Bros movie of all time, raking in $16 million. Additionally, The New Empire has emerged as the studio’s biggest success in Cambodia. The film’s success in China is particularly noteworthy, as it has managed to thrive in a market that has historically been challenging for Hollywood films.
Among the top-grossing territories for The New Empire, China stands out with $132.4 million in revenue, making it the film’s most successful offshore market. The film’s performance in China ranks fourth among all Monsterverse films, following Godzilla vs. Kong, Kong: Skull Island, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Other notable territories where The New Empire has performed well include Mexico, UK, France, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Brazil, Taiwan, Germany, and Spain.
Overall, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’s remarkable success at the box office cements its status as a powerhouse in the Monsterverse franchise. With a winning combination of strategic release planning, compelling storytelling, and global appeal, the film has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.