Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s *Wuthering Heights* Surges at the Box Office
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights experienced a successful Valentine’s Day/Presidents Day weekend, earning an estimated $38 million domestically over the four-day holiday and a surprising $45 million internationally, totaling $83 million globally.
Performance vs. Expectations
Emerald Fennell’s unique take on Emily Brontë’s renowned novel slightly fell short of expectations in the U.S., with Warner Bros. initially projecting a $40 million opening.
Tracking Predictions
In the weeks leading up to the film’s release, some forecasts were even more optimistic, suggesting Wuthering Heights could debut at around $50 million in the U.S. Robbie, in her first leading studio role since the hit Barbie, led the film’s promotional efforts. However, Warner Bros. aimed to manage expectations by maintaining their $40 million domestic and $80 million worldwide estimates.
Competitors and Market Analysis
As the holiday progressed, rival studios expressed concern that Wuthering Heights might only achieve $33-35 million due to mixed reviews, a B CinemaScore, and moderate exit polls from PostTrak.
Success of *GOAT*
A new development occurred with Sony Animation’s *GOAT*, which began over-performing. By Sunday, estimates indicated that it might surpass Wuthering Heights over the four-day period. *GOAT* ultimately opened with $35 million, marking the strongest launch for an original animated studio film since Elemental. Overseas, it gathered $15.6 million from 41 markets.
*Crime 101* and Comparisons
Amazon MGM Studio’s Crime 101 secured third place with $16.4 million, despite the $90 million investment to acquire it. In contrast to Wuthering Heights, which targeted older female viewers, *Crime 101* emerged as a popular choice for Valentine’s Day among audiences aged 55 and older.
Final Thoughts and Box Office Summary
While *Wuthering Heights* appealed to younger women largely, *Crime 101* was favored by older demographics. The film landscape sees varying performances, with Disney’s films contributing to historic milestones at the box office. Final holiday grosses are expected to be reported Tuesday.
Feb. 16, 7:45 a.m.: Updated with revised estimates.
This story was originally published on Feb. 15.
