What's happened
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi opened with a global debut of approximately $82 million, driven by a $40 million US/Canada weekend and $42 million internationally. The film’s performance surpasses initial expectations despite mixed reviews.
What's behind the headline?
The film’s box office success indicates a strong audience interest in literary adaptations with star power, despite mixed critical reviews. Warner Bros.’ decision to prioritize theatrical release appears justified, as the film’s $82 million global debut surpasses its $80 million production cost, excluding marketing. The audience’s demographic skew towards women (76%) suggests the film’s appeal lies in its romantic and dramatic elements. The film’s mixed reviews, with a 63% Rotten Tomatoes score and a B CinemaScore, highlight a divide between critical opinion and audience enthusiasm. International markets will be crucial for its sustained success, with upcoming openings in Japan, Vietnam, and China. The film’s performance signals a potential trend for high-profile literary adaptations that can perform well commercially even with mixed reviews, especially when star power and wide releases are involved.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that ‘Wuthering Heights’ achieved a $40 million US/Canada opening and an $82 million global debut, emphasizing its commercial success despite mixed reviews. AP News highlights the film’s international earnings and compares its performance to other recent releases, noting the importance of international markets. The Independent confirms the film’s North American box office dominance and audience demographics, while also noting its mixed critical reception. These sources collectively illustrate a film that, while divisive among critics, has resonated with audiences and performed strongly at the box office, driven by star power and wide theatrical distribution.
How we got here
Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ is a modern, liberties-taking adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Warner Bros. chose a wide theatrical release over Netflix’s offer, aiming for a broad audience. The film’s release follows Fennell’s previous success with ‘Saltburn’ and Elordi’s rising fame through roles in ‘Saltburn’ and ‘Priscilla’.
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