LOS ANGELES — Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights, captured the Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day weekend box office with an estimated $38 million in domestic earnings over the four-day holiday. The film also performed well overseas, adding $45 million to bring its total global take to approximately $83 million.
Directed by Emerald Fennell, this unconventional retelling opened slightly below initial projections from Warner Bros., which had anticipated a $40 million debut domestically. In the weeks leading up to the release, tracking services had forecasted even higher earnings, with some estimates suggesting it could hit $50 million. However, the studio maintained a conservative estimate, apparently to temper expectations amid mixed reviews and varied audience feedback.
As the holiday weekend progressed, rival studios began to express concerns that Wuthering Heights might fall short of its expectations due to a lackluster reception, reflected in a B CinemaScore and moderate ratings from exit polls. Unforeseen competition arose from Sony Animation’s new film, GOAT, which started to outperform expectations over the same period. The animated feature ultimately earned an impressive estimated $35 million, marking a significant opening for the genre.
GOAT received favorable reviews, enjoying a strong debut overseas with $15.6 million across 41 markets. The film follows a young goat named Will who dreams of playing a high-energy sport called roarball, appealing to families and younger audiences alike. With its A CinemaScore and stellar feedback, it becomes part of a successful portfolio for Sony Animation, known for its earlier hits related to the Spider-Verse franchise.
In comparison, Amazon MGM Studio’s Crime 101 secured the third spot at the box office with an estimated $16.4 million. Despite its solid opening, the film’s $90 million acquisition price might raise questions about its profitability. Based on a novella by Don Winslow, Crime 101 blends heist elements with character-driven narratives, featuring a cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo.
The broader audience for Wuthering Heights, which primarily targeted older women, showed promising attendance patterns, especially among younger viewers aged 18 to 34, who made up over half of the audience. Marketing efforts focused not only on the traditional demographic but also engaged Gen Z and younger millennials. However, the film’s B CinemaScore from those younger audiences indicated a divisive reaction.
Critique of Wuthering Heights has also been mixed, with a current score of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, audience ratings sit significantly higher at 84%. In the meantime, Crime 101 maintains an 86% score on the same platform, presenting a steady appeal amid discerning viewers.
Overall, the box office results from the weekend show competition remains fierce, with each film catering to distinct audience segments. The upcoming release status and final grosses will be vital indicators of each film’s long-term success, especially as these studios continue to adapt their strategies in a changing market landscape. Final holiday figures are set to be announced shortly.