The latest installment in the Monsterverse franchise, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has proven to be a significant success at the box office. With previews starting at 3 PM on Thursday in 3,400 locations, the film has already raked in an impressive $8 million. This marks the second-best previews ever for a Legendary Monsterverse film, following the 2014 release of Godzilla, which brought in $9.3 million in previews. Considering this initial success, there is great anticipation for the film’s overall performance in the coming days.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Godzilla x Kong has managed to captivate audiences, with a 92% audience score. This stark contrast between critic and audience opinions highlights the divide in opinions regarding the quality of the film. However, it is important to note that audience reception ultimately plays a significant role in determining the overall success of a film, as demonstrated by the positive response to Godzilla v. Kong in 2021.
With opening domestic projections set at $50 million, Godzilla x Kong is poised to continue its success at the box office in the upcoming days. The film is expected to play in 3,850 theaters on Friday, with additional enhancements such as Imax, PLFs, ScreenX, D-Box, and 4DX. Furthermore, the film will face competition from other major releases, including Legendary and Warner Bros’ Dune: Part Two, which currently holds the title of the highest-grossing film of 2024 to date.
The success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire serves as a testament to the power of big-budget blockbuster films in driving audiences back to theaters. As the industry continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the popularity of films like Godzilla x Kong highlights the enduring appeal of cinematic experiences for audiences around the world. Additionally, the film’s performance at the box office provides valuable insights into audience preferences and the evolving landscape of the film industry.