The highly anticipated literary adaptation of Wuthering Heights is off to a roaring start at the global box office, but its journey to box office glory may face some unexpected challenges from a scrappy underdog. While the Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi-led drama raked in a stellar $82 million worldwide, the family-friendly animated film GOAT is emerging as a surprise threat to the literary giant's domestic dominance.
A Steamy Global Debut, But Softer US Performance
Directed by Emerald Fennell, Wuthering Heights debuted to an impressive $82 million globally, including $42 million from 76 international markets. The film's steamy take on the classic Emily Brontë novel has clearly captivated audiences around the world, positioning it as a major contender in the crowded Valentine's Day/President's Day weekend. However, the news isn't all rosy for the Warner Bros. production - its $40 million domestic debut, while still leading the pack, fell slightly short of early projections that had it reaching $50 million over the four-day holiday frame.
What this really means is that Wuthering Heights may have to rely more heavily on its overseas performance to justify its hefty $80 million production budget, not to mention the tens of millions spent on global marketing. As Variety reports, the film's mixed critical reception and slightly softer-than-expected domestic turnout could complicate its long-term box office trajectory. However, with major markets like China and Japan still to come, the film's global fortunes remain bright.
A Surprise Threat from the Underdog
While Wuthering Heights may be dominating the worldwide charts, its domestic dominance is being challenged by an unexpected contender - Sony's animated sports comedy GOAT. Produced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, the film earned a solid $15.6 million from 42 international markets in its debut, and is poised to make a strong push for the top spot in the US over the holiday weekend.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, GOAT is expected to open to over $20 million domestically, potentially giving Wuthering Heights a run for its money. The family-friendly animated film, which follows a small goat's quest to join the professional "roarball" league, has been earning strong reviews and buzz, suggesting it could have the legs to stick around the box office well past the holiday weekend.
The bigger picture here is that the battle between these two very different films underscores the unpredictable nature of the modern box office landscape. While Wuthering Heights may have the pedigree and star power, GOAT's combination of critical acclaim, family appeal, and an intriguing sports-themed premise could make it the surprise hit of the holiday. Ultimately, it'll be a thrilling race to see which film emerges victorious in this clash of the box office titans.