Captain America: Brave New World Leads a Sluggish Box Office Weekend
The weekend box office was dominated by Captain America: Brave New World, which remained in the top spot despite a significant drop in earnings. The Disney-Marvel film brought in $15 million, according to studio estimates, as Hollywood’s attention shifted to the Oscars. This marks the third week of the film’s release, with its total domestic earnings now standing at $163.7 million. However, the film’s performance has been underwhelming compared to expectations. After opening strong with $120 million on its debut weekend last month, it saw one of the steepest second-week drops for a Marvel movie, plummeting to $28.2 million in its second week. The film has received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences, with many expressing disappointment over what was hoped to be a fresh start for the Marvel franchise. The task of revitalizing Marvel’s momentum now rests on the upcoming films Thunderbolts (releasing in May) and Fantastic Four: First Steps (releasing in July). For now, Captain America: Brave New World faces little competition and could maintain its No. 1 spot throughout March.
New Release "Last Breath" Makes a Modest Debut
The weekend’s only major new release, Last Breath, opened with $7.8 million. The Focus Features film, based on a true story, stars Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Chris Lemons and follows a routine deep-sea diving mission that turns tragic when a young diver becomes stranded 300 feet underwater. Despite its modest box office haul, Last Breath received strong critical acclaim, with many praising its tense and suspenseful storytelling. Associated Press critic Lindsey Bahr described it as a “white-knuckle experience” filled with “pure suspense and anxiety,” highlighting the film’s ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While its opening may not have been explosive, the film’s positive reviews could help it gain traction in the coming weeks.
Indie Film "The Monkey" Continues Its Strong Run
At No. 3, Oz Perkins’ The Monkey brought in $6.4 million, bringing its two-week total to $24.6 million. This is one of the strongest openings for indie distributor Neon, which has been making waves in the film industry with its bold and unconventional releases. The film’s success continues Neon’s streak of collaborating with Perkins, following last year’s Longlegs, which grossed $126.9 million globally. The Monkey has been praised for its unique storytelling and atmospheric direction, further solidifying Perkins’ reputation as a master of the genre. Neon is also in the spotlight as its film Anora, directed by Sean Baker, could make a significant impact at the Oscars later in the year.
Other Notable Performances at the Box Office
The rest of the top 10 saw a mix of familiar faces and lingering releases. Paddington in Peru came in at No. 4 with $4.5 million, bringing its three-week total to $31.4 million. The charming antics of Paddington Bear continue to resonate with audiences, even as the film slows down in its third week. Dog Man followed closely at No. 5 with $4.2 million, while Mufasa: The Lion King earned $1.9 million at No. 6. Internationally flavored releases like Ne Zha 2 ($1.8 million) and Heart Eyes ($1.3 million) rounded out the top 10, along with The Unbreakable Boy ($1.2 million) and One of Them Days ($925,000). These films, while not breaking records, contribute to a diverse and vibrant cinematic landscape.
The Road Ahead for Disney-Marvel
As the box office continues to recover from a post-pandemic slump, Captain America: Brave New World is expected to continue its reign at the top of the charts, at least through March. However, the film’s underperformance has raised questions about Marvel’s strategy moving forward. With critics and fans expressing disappointment, the upcoming films Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps will be crucial in determining whether Marvel can reclaim its dominance in the franchise-driven market. These films will need to deliver on both quality and nostalgia to reignite the excitement that Marvel has been known for in recent years. The pressure is on, and the success of these films could shape the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
A Weekend of Mixed Fortunes
In a weekend marked by sluggish box office numbers and a shift in Hollywood’s focus to the Oscars, Captain America: Brave New World managed to stay on top despite its decline. Last Breath and The Monkey showcased the potential of smaller films to carve out their own success stories, even as bigger blockbusters struggle to meet expectations. As the industry looks ahead to a packed summer slate of releases, the performance of these films provides valuable insights into what audiences are cravings in a post-pandemic world. For now, the box office remains a space of both challenges and opportunities, with every film fighting for its place in the spotlight.
