Warner Bros/Village Roadshow/Heyday Films’ latest release, Wonka, has reached an impressive milestone by crossing the $500 million mark globally. As of this weekend, the film has accumulated a worldwide total of $505.3 million. This achievement includes a strong international box office performance, contributing $329.1 million to the film’s overall earnings. Notably, the movie is yet to be released in Korea, known for its love for Hollywood musicals. The film’s success has also elevated director Paul King’s status, as Wonka becomes his highest-grossing film so far.
Continuing its international triumph, Wonka generated an additional $15.3 million in 77 overseas markets during this frame. The film astoundingly maintained impressive holds in key territories such as Spain (-1%), Australia (-36%), Mexico (-36%), the UK (-43%), and Brazil (-44%). With the film’s popularity soaring, Warner Bros Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs and CEOs, Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, express their gratitude to the filmmakers, cast, crew, and global audiences for embracing this musical event. The remarkable success of Wonka serves as a promising start to the year 2024 for the industry.
As the film takes the global box office by storm, several markets have stood out in terms of performance. The United Kingdom leads the pack with an astonishing total of $71.1 million, followed by France with $25.4 million. Additionally, Wonka has achieved significant success in Mexico ($24.4 million), Australia ($21 million), and Germany ($20.9 million). These numbers highlight the film’s universal appeal and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
Amid Wonka’s continued success, two new titles debuted in the second frame of 2024. Miramax’s The Beekeeper and Paramount’s Mean Girls added excitement to the competitive landscape. The Beekeeper, released in 49 offshore markets, grossed an estimated $20.4 million during this session. Notably, the film performed exceptionally well in China, leveraging Jason Statham’s significant draw power in the region. Globally, The Beekeeper garnered $8.1 million in IMAX screenings, further emphasizing its popularity among moviegoers.
Meanwhile, Mean Girls made a notable entrance into the international scene by debuting in 16 markets. The film resonated with audiences, earning $6.5 million in its opening weekend. Notable achievements include securing the top spot in Australia ($2.3 million) and Mexico ($1.7 million). The international rollout of Mean Girls represents 47% of its total international footprint. As more markets prepare for its release, including the UK, New Zealand, Germany, and Belgium, the film’s global reception is expected to grow further.
Wonka’s extraordinary performance at the box office, crossing the $500 million mark globally, is a testament to its exceptional quality and universal appeal. Timothée Chalamet’s captivating performance, coupled with the creative vision of director Paul King, has made this musical event a true cinematic delight. Additionally, the introduction of new releases like The Beekeeper and Mean Girls has added depth to the international market, showcasing the diverse range of films captivating audiences around the world. With the year just beginning, the film industry is off to a sweet start in 2024.