Disney’s magic continues to cast an irresistible spell over the global box office, as their films dominate the summer season with a whopping 42% of total industry earnings. Leading the charge is “Alien: Romulus,” the latest spine-chilling entry in the iconic 45-year-old franchise from 20th Century Studios, owned by Disney. Bursting onto the scene with a $108.2 million global debut, it raked in $41.5 million domestically in its opening weekend, securing the top spot at the North American box office.
Disney’s powerhouse didn’t stop there. Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” continuing its strong run in its fourth weekend, snagged second place by adding another $29 million to its impressive tally. Alongside other Disney hits like “Inside Out 2” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” the studio has had a significant influence on the summer box office, drawing audiences back to theaters in an otherwise sluggish season.
Analysts were initially skeptical about August’s prospects, but the surge in ticket sales has defied expectations. According to Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, “The summer started off pretty gloomy, but it’s winding up really strong.” This unexpected performance suggests that the film industry might close the summer with better-than-anticipated figures.
“Alien: Romulus,” directed by Fede Álvarez, harkens back to the horror roots of the original “Alien” series, and features fresh talent like Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, and Isabela Merced. Despite mixed reviews, it has garnered a solid 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and a B+ CinemaScore from audiences.
Adding to the diversity of offerings, Sony’s romantic drama “It Ends With Us,” starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who also directed the film, took third place. The film, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has garnered $97.8 million to date from a modest $25 million budget, proving that compelling stories can still attract large audiences despite competition.
Rounding out the top five were “Twisters” and a re-release of “Coraline,” proving the enduring appeal of both new entries and nostalgic favorites. As Disney continues to enchant audiences worldwide, the company’s blend of innovative storytelling and beloved franchises keeps the magic of the movies alive.
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