Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has already broken a box office record for the MonsterVerse with its Thursday previews.
According to Deadline, “Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire” has already surpassed box office expectations by earning $10 million in Thursday previews alone. This figure marks the highest ever for Legendary’s Monsterverse, outstripping Godzilla’s 2014 record of $9.3 million. Originally projected to open within the $50-55 million range, the film’s Thursday success has propelled estimates to a staggering $66 million to $74 million for its opening weekend from 3,850 theatres across the U.S.
Continuing the legacy of international triumph for Godzilla and Kong films, “The New Empire” is forecasted to maintain this trend with an impressive $80 million to $85 million projected from overseas markets. In the U.S., the film is anticipated to easily surpass the $47.7 million debut of “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” in 2019. While it may fall short of the $93 million debut of 2014’s “Godzilla,” it could surpass the $61 million debut of 2017’s “Kong: Skull Island.” Notably, it’s poised to outshine its predecessor, “Godzilla vs. Kong,” which opened to $31 million while simultaneously releasing on Max. Despite pandemic challenges, “Godzilla vs. Kong” grossed $474 million worldwide, outpacing “King of the Monsters,” which earned $387 million.
With a production budget of $135 million, “The New Empire,” directed by Adam Wingard (also behind “Godzilla vs. Kong”), features a stellar cast including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Dan Stevens. Departing from previous films pitting Godzilla and Kong against each other, “The New Empire” sees the iconic monsters uniting against a new, enigmatic threat endangering the planet. This instalment promises deeper exploration into the Titans’ histories and origins, delving into the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond.
Godzilla x Kong Will Dominate the Weekend Box Office
With no major competition this weekend, “Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire” is positioned to dominate the box office. While films like “Dune: Part Two,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” strive to maintain ticket sales momentum, “The New Empire” stands as the sole major release.
Before the arrival of “Dune: Part Two,” North American box office revenues trailed by 20% compared to the previous year. However, with attendance on the rise, the current deficit has shrunk to 9%, according to Comscore.
The roots of the iconic monsters date back decades. The 1954 film “Godzilla,” directed and co-written by Ishirō Honda and released by Toho, pioneered the tokusatsu technique, a cornerstone of Japan’s film industry, alongside special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya. Similarly, the original “King Kong” in 1933, co-directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, saw success during the Great Depression, thanks in part to its groundbreaking stop-motion effects by Willis H. O’Brien.
“Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire” is set to premiere in theaters worldwide on March 29, 2024.
(Source: Deadline)
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