This weekend, the international box office witnessed the pre-domestic release of Warner Bros’ Christmas-themed feature, “Red One.” With an opening total of approximately $26.6 million across 75 international markets, the film’s debut has exceeded expectations, demonstrating that holiday spirit does still resonate with audiences, albeit unevenly across different regions. In Latin America, “Red One” secured a respectable second-place position, trailing only behind the still-popular “Venom: The Last Dance.” Comparatively, its performance exceeds earlier holiday releases such as “Central Intelligence,” indicating a positive trajectory for its Christmas-themed narrative.
European markets, too, show promise; “Red One” is tracking ahead of films like “Skyscraper,” signaling a favorable reception. However, the film’s ability to connect with audiences in Asia remains debatable. While reviews in the region have been largely positive, the film has not reached the expected heights of success. This indicates that traditional holiday narratives may not align with audience preferences in these markets, reaffirming the notion that cultural context plays a significant role in the global reception of films.
“Venom: The Last Dance” Reignites Interest
In sharp contrast, Sony’s “Venom: The Last Dance” continues its reign, amassing an impressive $279.4 million internationally and approaching an overall global total of $394.2 million. The third weekend brought in another $33 million from 66 markets, albeit with a 51% decrease from the previous week. Despite this dip, the film remains a powerhouse, particularly in China, where it is still leading but did not dominate this weekend. The projected final earnings for the China market stand at an impressive $93 million, reflecting the character’s deep-rooted popularity.
As we explore further, the film’s top markets reveal a diverse range of international appeal—Mexico, the UK, Germany, and Korea contribute significant revenues, showcasing the superhero genre’s universal traction. Notably, even in declining interest, “Venom: The Last Dance” is a testament to the Marvel legacy, with audiences still flocking to theaters despite the film nearing its fourth weekend.
Universal’s “The Wild Robot”: A Quiet Success
Another film climbing the ranks is Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot,” accumulating $9 million from 80 markets. This boosts its international total to $161.6 million, with global earnings nearing $292 million. What stands out is its surpassing of “Encanto” overseas, a feat that signals strong family-oriented programming amid an increasingly competitive landscape. As the film continues to gain traction, its strong numbers in Mexico, the UK, and France underline the ongoing demand for animated content that appeals to diverse demographics while capitalizing on family-friendly themes.
Despite a 49% decline in box office numbers, “The Wild Robot” has benefitted from promotional events like the Fiesta del Cinema in Spain, demonstrating the impactful role of local marketing strategies in driving admissions, even amidst regional challenges like weather disasters.
The international box office landscape this weekend presents a dynamic blend of performances. While “Red One” showcases strong openings and potential, “Venom: The Last Dance” solidifies its dominance, and “The Wild Robot” finds its niche with family audiences. Ultimately, this weekend’s figures reveal that while holiday films may attempt to capture a universal audience, regional preferences and cultural contexts remain key players in the international box office game.
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